MESSAGE FROM THE YACHAKS (MEDICINE PEOPLE) OF SARAYACU
“In the course of our existence, we are responsible to use what nature has offered us in a rational manner so we may be able to exist harmoniously…. Everything that exists in the world has a reason for existing; natural resources are no exception, petroleum is no exception…. Nature has its own life, the rivers, lakes, mountains, trees and all that exists in nature…. In the time of Shell Company’s oil explorations [1940’s], part of our nature already perished. With much pain we observed the extinction of many species. In the lakes we would find dead the immense anacondas, dolphins, freshwater seals, crocodiles. Little by little the beings of the rivers and mountains sought refuge. Recently these beings are recuperating because the wise Mother Nature recovers herself, but this takes many years and perhaps many of the species that existed before will not be found again.
“I earnestly ask you to help us take care of humanity, respecting the earth and Mother Nature. If each individual does their part, it will be enough and life will continue.”
– Sabino Atanacio Gualinga Cuji, Yachak Representative
“In the course of our existence, we are responsible to use what nature has offered us in a rational manner so we may be able to exist harmoniously…. Everything that exists in the world has a reason for existing; natural resources are no exception, petroleum is no exception…. Nature has its own life, the rivers, lakes, mountains, trees and all that exists in nature…. In the time of Shell Company’s oil explorations [1940’s], part of our nature already perished. With much pain we observed the extinction of many species. In the lakes we would find dead the immense anacondas, dolphins, freshwater seals, crocodiles. Little by little the beings of the rivers and mountains sought refuge. Recently these beings are recuperating because the wise Mother Nature recovers herself, but this takes many years and perhaps many of the species that existed before will not be found again.
“I earnestly ask you to help us take care of humanity, respecting the earth and Mother Nature. If each individual does their part, it will be enough and life will continue.”
– Sabino Atanacio Gualinga Cuji, Yachak Representative