‘Carnival of Despair’ as Ecuadorians head to Polls Amidst security concerns, constitutional crises, and growing public doubts, the country holds first round of presidential elections LATEST for PWS by @douwedenheld.bsky.social and @anastasia-austin.bsky.social

We’re in Quito covering tomorrow’s elections. So far, President Noboa’s campaign is by far the most visible. Cardboard cutouts in various outfits (think: business-Noboa, gym-Noboa, casual-Noboa) are everywhere (photo 1). 1/4

From rancher to reforester: @anastasia-austin.bsky.social and I explore in @theguardian.com how Juan Guillermo Garcés built a 3,000 hectare reserve in Colombia after a youth of cutting down jungle. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Hi Bluesky! 👋 We’re OffMap Media - an independent journalism project by two reporters cycling through the Andes. Expect notes from the field, photos, and stories from the road. Learn more about us and read our latest Field Dispatch here: open.substack.com/pub/offmapme...

Item in yesterday’s Espectador how rising extortion in Medellin, Buenaventura, and Quibdó have become gangs’ most profitable source of income, “impeding urban Paz Total.” The trend goes far beyond these cities and even Colombia. Extortion has skyrocketed in Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and others. 1/2 👇

Without an agreement on cutting back plastic production Busan joins Baku and Cali as the third disappointing summit in a month. Coastal communities are among the first who suffer the consequences as sea levels rise, biodiversity drops and plastic fills their beaches. picture: Juanchaco, Colombia.

First time I’ve arrived at an airport closed during the day, as we re a bit early for today’s only flight (aeropuerto Alcides Fernández Acandí, Chocó)

I’ve created a group for those reporting on and researching corruption and organized crime. bsky.app/starter-pack... Will do my best to keep it up-to date, but let me know if you’d like to be added.

Excited to see whether Bluesky can make it! Lot of new followers, thanks for that! I am building a starter deck with journalists covering Latin America in English here: go.bsky.app/42Ly6NV