CALGARY – Natives from the Amazon – their faces painted and their heads adorned with colourful toucan feathers – are in Calgary to protest Talisman Energy Inc.’s plans to explore for oil in Peru.
In advance of the company’s annual general meeting Wednesday, John Manzoni, CEO and president of the Calgary-based company, is to meet today with four Peruvians, including three native leaders – plus a delegation from California-based Amazon Watch.
Native leader Carlos Mukuin Tiris, founder of a federation of Achuar communities in the Peruvian Pastaza river basin, told the Calgary Herald on Monday his group opposes any kind of petroleum development in the region, despite the potential job creation.
“Sure, we need jobs, but not with the oil company,” he said in Spanish. “We are looking for ways that don’t damage our forests, our land, because the land is like our mother.”
Talisman was recognized Monday for its ethical conduct by an anti-corruption watchdog.
Transparency International said Talisman and two other Calgary-based companies, Petro-Canada and Nexen Inc., set an example for the rest of the world to follow.
The report cites Talisman for above-average transparency in its dealings with five host countries where it operates: Algeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway and the U.S.
“We’ve been issuing independently reviewed corporate responsibility reports since 2000, and in those reports, we break down royalties and taxes paid to host countries,” said Talisman spokeswoman Teri Keyser, who pointed out the company was also recognized in 2005.
