Dear friends,
We just received an urgent call from two Catholic priests in Achuar territory in the northern Peruvian Amazon, concerned that Canadian oil company Talisman Energy is fomenting severe divisions between indigenous communities, creating a real risk of conflict.
Listen to their testimony and take action
I have just returned from a trip to Canada with Achuar leader Peas Peas Ayui where he made a direct demand of Talisman CEO John Manzoni: leave Achuar territory. Regardless, Talisman continues its relentless search for oil in the region, resorting to dangerous industry practices: divide and conquer.
In their testimony Padre Diego and Padre Bola, who have worked in the region for a combined total of 60 years, recount signs of oil company bribery, ecological disruption, death threats, and even the first cases of sexually transmitted diseases as the situation around Talisman’s operations on the Pastaza and Morona rivers deteriorates.
Now is the time for action: The Achuar have fought hard to keep their rainforest home free from oil drilling, but over the next six months Talisman will be deciding whether to move into production.
Write to Talisman now and demand they respect the Achuar people.
Gregor MacLennan
Peru Program Coordinator
PS. Please send this message to your friends using the links below.
