At this writing, Sarayacu is building “camps for peace and life” where Sarayacu people and non-violent “witnesses” will stand against further company encroachment. If you would like to serve as an international witness, contact Sarayacu at Sarayacu@sarayacu.com.
REQUEST FOR URGENT ACTION: The Sarayacu community urgently asks everyone to support their struggle by convincing the newly elected President of Ecuador to cancel contracts for oil exploration and give permanent protection to the Sarayacu territory.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
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SARAYACU'S UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS –
Over 95% of Sarayacu territory is old-growth lowland rainforest, with several tree species unique to this region. Typical Amazonian fauna are abundant (e.g., monkeys, deer, peccaries, tapir, caimans, snakes and parrots) as well as some of the mountain rainforest species, including the Andean Coati and the Spectacled Bear. Sarayacu is an important refuge for the critically endangered Giant Otter. Until the 1940s, Sarayacu’s section of the Bobonaza River was the westernmost outpost of freshwater dolphins and giant freshwater turtles. These were hard hit by Shell Oil Company’s detonations of explosives along the Bobonaza during the 1940’s and never recovered.
REQUEST FOR URGENT ACTION: The Sarayacu community urgently asks everyone to support their struggle by convincing the newly elected President of Ecuador to cancel contracts for oil exploration and give permanent protection to the Sarayacu territory.
**********************
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
**********************
SARAYACU'S UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS –
Over 95% of Sarayacu territory is old-growth lowland rainforest, with several tree species unique to this region. Typical Amazonian fauna are abundant (e.g., monkeys, deer, peccaries, tapir, caimans, snakes and parrots) as well as some of the mountain rainforest species, including the Andean Coati and the Spectacled Bear. Sarayacu is an important refuge for the critically endangered Giant Otter. Until the 1940s, Sarayacu’s section of the Bobonaza River was the westernmost outpost of freshwater dolphins and giant freshwater turtles. These were hard hit by Shell Oil Company’s detonations of explosives along the Bobonaza during the 1940’s and never recovered.