Houston – ConocoPhillips’ impending decision regarding its concessions in the Amazon rainforest will reveal the truth about the oil major’s stated commitments to safeguard the environment and human rights.
During its March takeover of Burlington Resources, ConocoPhillips acquired three concessions on the ancestral lands of indigenous rainforest communities, two in Ecuador and one in Peru. Burlington wasted years and millions of dollars attempting to enter those concessions against the wishes of the communities. ConocoPhillips is also the new owner of several other rainforest oil blocks that together are larger than the state of Connecticut, making the company a major player in environmentally and culturally sensitive areas.
At ConocoPhillips’ annual general meeting in Houston today, company executives publicly stated that they will only move forward if national and international laws were followed, government regulations were met, and indigenous communities’ concerns were addressed. However, they also stressed that their involvement in the projects is under review and that no final decision had yet been reached on whether the company would carry out oil operations in the Amazon.
Having spent several days traveling by foot, canoe, bus and plane from their remote, rainforest homes to be at the shareholder meeting, indigenous leaders from these controversial areas brought a message to the company. Domingo Ankuash, a Shuar indigenous leader spoke to the Chariman and shareholders: “Conoco has bought a problem. Burlington tried for six years and wasn’t able to begin any oil activities.”
After the meeting, Jose Gualinga, a Kichwa representative from Sarayaku, acknowledged that Mr. Mulva and ConocoPhillips appeared to be acting in good faith. Nevertheless, he added that the oil industry’s history in nearby communities did not inspire him with confidence. “We appreciate the good intentions of Mr. Mulva and his company, but we can’t give their words much credibility yet due to our experience with Burlington,” he warned.
Andres Sandi, whose people inhabit untouched pristine rainforest where ConocoPhillips now holds a massive 2.5 million-acre concession known as block 104, added: “We’ve seen a good part of our territory destroyed by oil extraction.” Why would we want to expose what we have left to more oil drilling? Enough is enough. We want ConocoPhillips to leave. Now.”
Kevin Koenig, Northern program coordinator at Amazon Watch, gave a cautious welcome to Mr. Mulva’s comments. He added: “Conoco is at a crossroads. How the company decides to handle this issue will determine its true commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good corporate governance.”
