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In September 2010, the Ecuadorian government announced plans to expand oil development in the south-central region of the Ecuadorian Amazon in the form of a new oil concession. Operations were originally set to begin in April of this year, but have been delayed until August.
This oil development would permit exploration and operations in Achuar, Andoa, Kichwa, Sapara, and Shiwiar territories (see map), violating the rights and standards established in the Ecuadorian Constitution and several international agreements.
With the objective of defending the collective rights and territories of indigenous peoples in the region, more than 80 people met in the Kichwa community of Rukullacta last month to debate and reflect on the new policy.
Our Involvement
Our partner organization in Ecuador, Fundación Pachamama, was present and discussed the risks this project would pose to the rights of the nationalities. Various strategies to stop this process and demand that the government respect and guarantee the collective rights of these peoples were created.
Specialists from Fundación Pachamama also visited seven Achuar communities located along the upper Pastaza River to share information, focusing their outreach on women and elderly community members.
