Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Talisman Energy abandons oil drilling plans in Peruvian Amazon #indigenous #humanrights

Late last week I called Achuar leader Peas Peas Ayui with terrific news: Our long and hard campaign has forced Talisman Energy to abandon oil drilling plans in Achuar territory in the Peruvian Amazon.

“I thank you and our allies for standing with us in solidarity to confront this problem,” Peas exclaimed. “It brings me great happiness to have achieved what we set out to do.”

It's your support of Amazon Watch that makes victories like these possible.
Please continue to help us support the Achuar!

Talisman is the fifth oil company that the Achuar have forced to leave. It demonstrates that together we can stop the destruction of the rainforest. Here's how:

The Achuar remained strong and united with support from around the world.
Over 10,000 of you signed a petition demanding Talisman to leave.
Hundreds supported Achuar leaders' travel to Canada.
Dozens turned out to protest outside Talisman's offices in Calgary, Canada.

“It does not end here, we have to remain awake.
We ask that our allies do not forget us and do not leave us.”
— Peas Peas Ayui

We cannot walk away now. Peru and Ecuador are poised to auction new oil concessions in and around Achuar territory. In response Amazon Watch is building international solidarity for the Achuar cause, pressuring the Peruvian government to abandon oil drilling plans, and supporting the Achuar's own vision of development with sustainable income projects, traditional medicine centers and bilingual education.

Our combination of hard-hitting international campaigns and direct support for the Achuar is working. Help support an Amazon without oil drilling: Donate today.

For the Achuar,