Episode #26: Climate Leaders 101: Nemonte Nenquimo’s Fight for Indigenous and Environmental Rights

RAIA(ffairs)

In this episode, we sat down with Lucinda Schüler and Matilde Romagnoli to explore the passionate activism of Nemonte Nenquimo, a Waorani leader from the Ecuadorian Amazon, who has risen to global prominence in her fight to protect both the rainforest and the rights of indigenous communities. Nenquimo’s landmark legal victory against the Ecuadorian government, preventing oil drilling on native lands, set a powerful precedent for indigenous and environmental rights. We delve into her campaigns and international recognition, as well as the challenges posed by Ecuador’s reliance on the oil industry. Discover how Nemonte Nenquimo’s activism is reshaping the fight for climate justice and indigenous sovereignty on a global scale.

This episode is the third in a series of six as part of the IExRAIA Summer Research Program of 2024. RAIA has invited twelve IE University students to join our think tank and spend 9 weeks researching a figure from around the world to try to answer a simple question: Are they a climate leader?

Don't forget to read Lucinda and Matilde's article (https://raiagroup.org/nenquimo-activism-is-heating-up-the-amazon-in-ecuador) and report (https://raiagroup.org/ie-university-x-raia-research-program-2024).