Talisman: Keep Your Promise, Leave the Achuar in Peace!

"John Manzoni must come here and speak to the elders who have lived where Talisman is drilling for oil. He must understand that there are real problems and the company must recognize and respect our people" – Peas Peas Ayui, FENAP leader

The Achuar of the northern Peruvian Amazon are fighting to keep Canadian oil company Talisman Energy out of their ancestral territory, but the company continues to ignore the Achuar's demands and expand operations. Talisman's "divide and conquer" strategy is heightening tensions and the risk of conflict.

Now, in hopes of seeking a peaceful resolution, the Achuar leadership has invited Talisman CEO John Manzoni to visit their territory and hear directly from Achuar leaders and elders.

Support the Achuar now by signing the global petition to Talisman Energy demanding respect for the Achuar people's rights. When you sign the global petition, a letter will also be sent to Talisman CEO Manzoni requesting that he keep his promise to attend an Achuar Assembly meeting in their rainforest homeland.

"We demand that the Peruvian government immediately annuls the contracts for
blocks 64 and 101 and that Talisman immediately withdraws from our territory."

– Achuar public statement

First Name: Last Name: Email Address: ZIP Code: Country: Letter Text:

Dear Mr. Manzoni,

I stand with the Achuar and support their struggle to defend their Amazon homeland from oil drilling and destructive development.

I am writing to express my deep concern about the heightened tensions that your company's operations are engendering in Achuar territory of the Peruvian Amazon, and to urge you to make good on your promise to respectfully attend an assembly meeting of the Achuar people in their ancestral territory.

As you are aware, from the letter sent to you by Peas Peas Ayui, President of FENAP, on February 14, 2012, the Achuar are expecting your presence at their general assembly in the community of Wijint on March 29th, 2012.

Achuar from the Morona, Huitoyacu, Manchari, Huasaga and Pastaza rivers, represented by ATI, ORACH, AIM and FENAP, have repeatedly expressed to Talisman that it is operating in their ancestral territory without their agreement and they have demanded that the company leave. They have also expressed their concern that Talisman’s community relations strategy is provoking divisions and conflict in the region. Their concern is shared by the catholic priests working in the area, Padre Diego Clavijo and Padre Luis Bola.

Tensions are high as the Achuar have been repeatedly frustrated by efforts to resolve this situation through dialogue with representatives from Talisman and the State. However, they remain committed to seeking a peaceful resolution, and in the spirit of good faith have invited you personally to visit Wijint and speak directly with some of the people affected by Talisman’s operations. They hope that you will come to understand their position and respect their point of view.

This meeting provides a unique opportunity to seek a solution and avoid this situation escalating further. We trust that you will stand by your promise from our meeting in Calgary to visit Achuar territory and meet directly with the Achuar represented by FENAP.

Thank you for your prompt reply!

Sincerely,

Subscribe me to the Amazon Watch newsletter

Fields in bold are required. Your information will not be shared, sold or used in an otherwise obnoxious way.
Please see our privacy policy for more details.

Read the text of the petition you are signing here.