In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Olivia Bisa, the first female president of the Chapra Nation, stands as a beacon of courage and resilience.
Her tireless efforts to address the devastating oil spills that ravaged her ancestral territory in 2021 have made her a target of threats and attacks. Since then, Olivia has faced mounting pressure to cease her work, with ominous death threats and intimidating messages accusing her of obstructing the interests of “companies.”
Despite these dangers, Olivia remains unwavering in her commitment to defend her people and their land. She has emerged as a powerful Indigenous voice, leading the charge against the expansion of oil operations in the Peruvian Amazon. Organizing patrols and monitoring systems for the Chapra Nation, Olivia works relentlessly to prevent the incursion of illegal loggers into their sacred territories.
However, Olivia’s courageous stance has come at a steep cost. Olivia began feeling political pressure when she began denouncing the spill in 2021. Now the situation has worsened and a few days ago she began receiving death threats and intimidating calls targeting even her children and closest family members.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, Amazon Watch has mobilized its Amazon Defenders Fund as part of our Defend Earth Defenders campaign. Collaborating on a security strategy for Olivia and her family, we are working to activate public protection mechanisms provided by the Peruvian government and the United Nations system.
The increase in threats to leaders coincides with the level of social conflict in the area. A week after the first threats against Olivia’s life, Chapra leaders contacted her to report that a group of land invaders had entered their territory in a zone that several companies have also attempted to enter to build new oil wells.
Chapra territory borders the lands of the Achuar Nation, another organization leading the Alliance of the Seven Indigenous Nations of Peru against oil exploitation. We are supporting coordination between both peoples and the rest of the alliance to prevent further land invasions in their territories.
Olivia’s story is emblematic of the broader struggle faced by Indigenous communities across the Amazon rainforest. As the first female president of the Chapra Nation, she challenges entrenched patriarchal structures within her own movement while confronting powerful forces in the oil extraction industry. Despite the risks, Olivia’s steadfast commitment to justice and environmental protection has earned her national and international recognition.
Yet, Olivia’s bravery has made her a target for those who seek to silence her voice. Divisions sown by Petroperú within the community, coupled with internal and external conflict, threaten her leadership and her life. The recent surge in death threats underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and action.
As advocates for environmental justice, we must stand in solidarity with Earth Defenders like Olivia Bisa. Their courage in the face of adversity inspires us to redouble our efforts to protect Indigenous lives and preserve the Amazon rainforest.
The time for action is now. Join us in calling on the international community to recognize the severity of the violence faced by land defenders and to take decisive steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Together, we can defend Earth Defenders and safeguard the future of our planet.
