Indians Declares a State of Emergency and Call for Area to be Permanently Protected
Burlington Investors Raise Concern about Growing Controversy and Rights Violations
– Broadcast quality digital video and high-resolution stills of the community, rainforest, oil drilling and conflict available –
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WHAT:
Planned military invasion of the traditional territory of the Sarayacu indigenous community in the Ecuadorian Amazon in order to forcibly execute oil exploration in the rainforest area against the local peoples’ will.
WHO:
– Oil prospecting to be carried out by a consortium of companies including Burlington Resources (US), CGC (Argentina) and Perenco (UK/France).
– Military support from the Ecuadorian government.
– Kichwa indigenous community of Sarayacu mobilizing to protect its land and people from oil prospecting and military advances.
– Investors including Boston Common Asset Management and Brethren Benefit Trust raise concern with Burlington Resources about controversial oil block and possible use of force to access the area.
WHERE:
Large roadless region of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Pastaza province. Oil block 23.
WHEN:
Military action by the February 1st, according to the Ecuadorian government.
