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Wednesday, December 10, 2003

Governments in Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador and Peru are inviting oil companies to drill in their countries but they are facing increasing resistance from indigenous groups in the Amazon.

Working with environmental organizations, tribes are staging protests, fighting government officials and taking their case to the media. They fear damage to their traditional lands and worry about changes that will as a result of development.

The Ecuadorean government estimates as much as 26 billion barrel lie in the Amazons. Several companies who have tried to start development there have suffered setbacks. They say dealing with Indians is almost impossible.

Although the rights of Indians are recognized by some of the countries, none recognizes sub-surface ownership to oil and gas. In Ecuador, the rights belong to the government.

Get the Story:
Seeking Balance: Growth vs. Culture in Amazon (The New York Times 12/10)
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Relevant Links:
Sarayacu Tribe - http://www.sarayaku.com

Tribe in Peru lobbies against oil exploration (12/05)
U.S. oil drilling in Ecuador leaves a mess for tribes (12/01)

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