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New content and new archived documents are constantly being added - See Below the NEWS UPDATE for the latest news stories. Also, check the entire News Archive Stories in the middle and the bottom of this page for occasional new entries of older articles


2008

January 2008 -
Oil Development Set to Begin in Remote Amazon of Peru and Ecuador,
Threatening Last Uncontacted Indigenous Peoples

Yasuní Rainforest Campaign News - 1 de Enero, 2008 -
One of the most intact and biodiverse rainforest regions on Earth, located in the Upper Amazon on the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border, is now severely threatened by imminent oil development. This region, known as the Napo Moist Forest Region , is renowned for its record-breaking biodiversity numbers and is so remote that it is home to several uncontacted indigenous groups living in voluntary isolation.
>>>Read More, News Articles, Information in ENGLISH

NEUVO- Enero del 2008 -
Desarrollo de Petroleo ha de comenzar en el remoto Amazonas,Amenaza a los pueblos indígenas no contactados restantes

Yasuní Rainforest Campaign News - 1 de Enero, 2008 -
EUno de los más biodiversos selva intacta y regiones de la Tierra, situada en la Selva Alta en la frontera ecuatoriano - peruana, se encuentra ahora gravemente amenazada por la inminente explotación petrolera.

Esta región, conocida como la Región del Bosque Húmedo del Napo, es reconocido por su récord de la diversidad biológica y los números están tan alejados que es el hogar de varios grupos de indígenas no contactados que viven en aislamiento voluntario. >>>
Leer más, artículos de las noticias, información, en Espanol.

 

 


2007

May 2007 -
Ecuadorian Government Proposes Plan to NOT Drill in ITT

Save America's Forests News Story -
In recent weeks, an intense debate has been unfolding in Ecuador: develop the massive oil fields in the heart of the country’s only Amazonian national park, Yasuní, or leave the oil in the ground in order to protect the park’s extraordinary biodiversity and indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. Yasuní National Park is part of the Napo Moist Forest Region, considered by many scientists to be the most biodiverse forest on earth, with record or near record amounts of insects, birds, monkeys, amphibians, trees, and plants. Over the past several weeks, however, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has repeatedly been advertising his government’s offer that if the international community can compensate the country with half of the forecasted lost revenues, they will leave the oil in the ground. Correa estimates this figure at around $350 million per year.
Read More, News Articles, Information in ENGLISH en Espanol

Maio del 2007 -
El gobierno de Ecuadorian propone plan para no perforar adentro el ITT.

Save America's Forests News Story -
En semanas recientes, un discusión intenso ha estado revelando en Ecuador: desarrollar los yacimientos de petróleo masivos en el corazón del único parque nacional Amazonian del país, Yasuní, o dejar el aceite en el de tierra para proteger a la biodiversidad extraordinaria y a la gente indígena del parque que viven en el aislamiento voluntario. El parque nacional de Yasuní es parte de la región húmeda del bosque de Napo, considerada por muchos científicos ser la mayoría del bosque del biodiverse en la tierra, con cantidades de registro de registro o cercanas de insectos, de pájaros, de monos, de anfibios, de árboles, y de plantas. Sobre el pasado varias semanas, sin embargo, presidente Rafael Correa de Ecuadorian ha estado anunciando en varias ocasiones la oferta de su gobierno que si la comunidad internacional puede compensar el país con la mitad de los réditos perdidos pronosticados, ellos dejará el aceite en la tierra. Correa estima esta figura aproximadamente $350 millones por año.
Leer más, artículos de las noticias, información, en Espanol.

January 9, 2007 -
Ecuadorian Government Creates 2 Million Acre "Intangible Zone"

Save America's Forests News Story -
- Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio signed the long-awaited Presidential Decree delimiting the Intangible Zone, or Zona Intangible as its called in Ecuador. Oil extraction, as well as logging, is permanently prohibited within the zone.The Intangible Zone is designed to protect the Tagaeri-Taromenane—the last two known indigenous groups in voluntary isolation in Ecuador.
-Maps- Orginal Documents. More - Read Full Story in ENGLISH-

9 de enero del 2007
El gobierno ecuatoriano crea 758,000 hectarea Zona Intangible

Presidente ecuatoriano Alfredo Palacio firmó el Decreto para delimitar la Zona Intangible. Todo tipo de actividad extractivista, como petroleo y la tala de madera, esta prohibido dentro la zona. La Zona Intangible es diseñado a proteger los Tagaeri-Taromenane, los ultimos pueblos en aislamiento voluntario en Ecuador -Mapas - Documentos - Mas - En Español >

 


2006

    October 2006
Scientists and NGOs Criticize New “Roadless” Petrobras Plan to Build Oil Facilities in Yasuní

    Octubre 2006
Los científicos y NGOs Critican Nuevo Plan de Petrobras para construir instalaciones en Yasuní

Save America's Forests News - In two separate letters delivered to the Ecuadorian government, a group of over 40 Yasuni scientists (known as the Scientists Concerned for Yasuni) and 6 international NGOs have criticized Petrobras’ new Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of their new “roadless” plan to build oil production facilities in Yasuní.

Although both letters praise Ecuador for stopping Petrobras from building an access road into Yasuni National Park, they emphasize that the new project design (construction and operation of 2 drilling platforms, flow lines, a processing facility and pipeline) will cause major impacts to the region’s biodiversity and indigenous peoples.

For example, a massive new processing facility would be constructed on the alluvial plain of the world renowned Tiputini River. Sixteen hectares of mature, inundated forests along the Tiputini would have to be cleared and drained, completely destroying the habitat.

Also, the rainforest surrounding the proposed sites for the two drilling platforms is home to large mammal species considered indicators of high quality rainforest, such as tapir, giant armadillo, giant anteater, and large monkey species.

Moreover, the processing facility would be built on an important hunting area for the Kichwa community of Chiru Isla, and the drilling platforms would be located within the prime hunting grounds of the Waorani community of Kawimeno.

Both letters also emphasize that the Waorani representative organizations-ONHAE and AMWAE-were never consulted about the project, let alone grant consent for activities on their ancestral territory.

Therefore, both letters urge the Ecuadorian government to NOT approve the study and to cancel the project.

If Ecuador proceeds with the project, the scientist letter details a number of critical changes that would significantly reduce the project’s impacts. The scientists propose the utilization of a nearby existing processing facility instead of the construction of a new plant along the Tiputini. They also propose eliminating one of the two drilling platforms through the use of Extended Reach Drilling. The scientists also demand that the project only proceed with the prior, informed consent of ONHAE.

The Scientist Concerned for Yasuni letter was signed by 44 scientists, including many with extensive research experience within the park.

The NGO letter was signed by Save America’s Forests, Land is Life, Amazon Watch, Environmental Defense, Friends of the Earth, and Rainforest Rescue.

Read the 2 letters, the Petrobras EIS, and more, below

Los científicos y NGOs Critican Nuevo Plan de Petrobras

EN ESPAÑOL Save America's Forests News - En dos cartas entregadas al gobierno ecuatoriano, un grupo de mas de 40 científicos de Yasuni (conocido como los Científicos Preocupados para Yasuni) y 6 NGOs internacionales ha criticado Petrobras' nuevo Estudio de Impacto Ambiental.

Aunque ambas cartas elogian Ecuador para parar la construcción de un vía de acceso en Parque Nacional Yasuní por Petrobras, ellos enfatizan que el nuevo diseño de proyecto (la construcción y la operación de 2 plataformas de producción, las líneas del flujo, un estación central de procesamiento y un oleoducto) causará impactos mayores a la biodiversidad y personas indígenas de la región.

Por ejemplo, una nueva estación central de procesamiento se construiría en la llanura aluvial del famoso Río Tiputini. Dieciséis hectáreas de bosques maduros e inundados por el Tiputini se tendrían que vaciadas y desaguadas, destruyendo completamente el hábitat.

También, la selva tropical que rodea los sitios propuestos para las dos plataformas de producción está el hogar de especies grandes del mamíferos considerados como indicadores de selva de alta calidad, tal como tapir, armadillo gigantesco, oso hormiguero gigantesco, y unas especies grande de mono.

Además, la nueva estación central de procesamiento se construiría en un importante lugar de cacería para la comunidad Kichwa de Chiru Isla, y las plataformas de producción se localizarían dentro una importante área de cacería para la comunidad Waorani de Kawimeno.

Ambas cartas enfatizan también que las organizaciones representativos del Waorani—

ONHAE y AMWAE—nunca se consultaron acerca del proyecto, ni dieron consentimiento para las actividades en su territorio ancestral.

Por lo tanto, ambas cartas instan el gobierno ecuatoriano a NO aprobar el estudio y para cancelar el proyecto.

Si Ecuador avanza con el proyecto, la carta de los científicos detalla varios cambios críticos que reducirían apreciablemente los impactos de proyecto. Los científicos proponen la utilización de un estación de procesamiento que ya existe cerca en vez de la construcción de una nueva estación por el Tiputini. Ellos proponen también eliminando uno de las dos plataformas de producción por el uso del “Extended Reach Drilling.” Los científicos demandan también que el proyecto sólo avanza con el consentimiento previo y informado de ONHAE.

La carta de los Científicos Preocupados para Yasuni fue firmado por 44 científicos, inclusive muchos con la experiencia extensa de investigación dentro del parque. La carta de los NGOs fue firmada por Save America’s Forests, Land is Life, Amazon Watch, Environmental Defense, Friends of the Earth, and Rainforest Rescue.

Read the Letters Opposing the New Petrobras "roadless" EIS
Lea las letras que oponen el Petrobras nuevo EIS "roadless" en espanol

NGO letter
Letra del NGO en español


Scientists Concerned for Yasuní letter
Letra del Los Científicos Preocupados por Yasuní en español

Read the New Petrobras "roadless" EIS Executive Summary in Spanish
Lea las Petrobras nuevo EIS "roadless" resumen ejuecutivo en español

Read the entire New Petrobras "roadless" EIS in Spanish
Lea las entero Petrobras nuevo EIS en español

Map of Yasuni and the Petrobras EIS
Mapa de Yasuní y del Petrobras EIS

Government Information page on the Petrobras EIS
Página de la información del gobierno en el Petrobras EIS

    October 2006
Chinese Oil Company Escalates Exploration Activities within Yasuní

 Octubre 2006
La Compañía china Intensifica las Actividades dentro de Yasuní

Save America's Forests News - Andes Petroleum, a partnership between two Chinese state oil companies (CNPC and Sinopec) is currently conducting a massive 3D seismic operation in Yasuní National Park.

The seismic operation is taking place in the southeast section of Block 14, between the two scientific research stations on the Tiputini River. The Tiputini is one of the most intact parts of Yasuni and world renowned as one of the greatest spots on Earth to spot birds and wildlife.

Further, Andes Petroleum is preparing to drill two new exploratory wells within this section of the Park as well. The Ecuadorian Environment Ministry is currently considering the environmental licenses for the two wells, but it is expected that they will approve them soon.

There is deep concern about the ecological impacts of a large seismic project and drilling of two wells in this intact and megadiverse region. For example, similar seismic projects in Ecuador and Bolivia have driven out local wildlife populations. The greatest fear, of course, is that large oil reserves may be discovered and the area will soon be devastated by major oil extraction activities.

Octubre 2006
La Compañía china Intensifica las Actividades dentro de Yasuní

EN ESPAÑOL Save America's Forests News - Andes Petroleum, una asociación entre dos compañías del petróleo del estado china (CNPC y Sinopec) realiza actualmente un masivo operación sísmica 3D en Parque Nacional Yasuní.

La operación sísmica sucede en la sección del sudeste del Bloque 14, entre las dos estaciones científica en el Río Tiputini. El Tiputini es uno de las partes más intactas de Yasuni y el renombrados como uno de los mejor lugares en la Tierra para observar pájaros y fauna.

Aún más, Andes Petroleum prepara para taladrar dos nuevos pozos exploratorios dentro esta sección del Parque también. El Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador es actualmente estudiando las licencias ambientales para los dos pozos, pero se espera que los aprobará pronto.

Hay mucha preocupación acerca de los impactos ecológicos de un proyecto sísmico y taladrando de dos pozos en esta región tan intacto y megadiverse. Por ejemplo, proyectos sísmicos semejantes realizados en Ecuador y Bolivia han expulsado a poblaciones locales de fauna. El temor más grande, por supuesto, es que reservas grandes del petróleo se pueden descubrir y el área pronto será devastada por actividades mayores de extracción de petróleo.

   October 2006
Ecuador Prepares to Create “Intangible Zone”
Massive Area Off-limits to logging and oil

 Octubre 2006
Ecuador Prepara para Crear la "Zona Intangible"

Un Area masiva Prohibida a petróleo y la tala

Save America's Forests News - The Ecuadorian government is preparing to finally delimit a 1,873,093 acre Zona Intangible—or Intangible Zone—in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon via a Presidential Decree. Extractive activities such as logging and oil would be prohibited within the zone. The Intangible Zone is designed to protect the Tagaeri and Taromenane, the last two known groups of indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation in Ecuador. The Zone is comprised of the southern part of Yasuni National Park and the southeast section of Huaorani Territory.

The Intangible Zone was initially created in 1999, but its borders were never defined. Therefore, the Zone didn’t technically exist and there was little enforcement. One important consequence is that illegal logging within the Zone has escalated in recent years, leading to deadly confrontations between loggers and the Tagaeri-Taromenane.

There is controversial language in the Decree that places restrictions on—but doesn’t prohibit—oil activities within the buffer zone of the Intangible Zone. Therefore, it has been strongly criticized by CONAIE (the representative organization for the indigenous groups of Ecuador). CONAIE argues that all 4,942,200 acres of ancestral Huaorani Territory should be off-limits to oil activities.

However, the Intangible Zone does put the most potentially destructive oil reserve—

Awant, located in Andes Petroleum’s Block 17—off-limits. Awant is located in the general region where it is believed the Taromenane are currently living. Andes Petroleum has indicated its interest in developing this oil reserve. The Intangible Zone also includes the Obe oil reserve—located in Petrobras’ Block 31—and part of the ITT reserves. The Decree also prohibits the construction of oil access roads within the buffer zone.

The latest draft of the Decree also includes—for the first time—a government commitment to set up both permanent and rotating logging control posts. It is widely believed that such posts are a critical first step in stopping the illegal logging since all the wood exits via only a few rivers and down one principal road.

Save America’s Forests has been very active in the process of finalizing the Intangible Zone over the past several months. Save America’s Forests —working very closely with ONHAE Vice President Moi Enomenga—was the driving force that led to the consultation of the Huaorani about the Intangible Zone. Over 150 Huaorani from nearly all the communities gathered in Coca on September 8 to meet with Environment Ministry officials and learn the details of the Intangible Zone and voice concerns about how it may impact them. Save America’s Forests was also instrumental in forcing some key changes added to the latest draft of the Decree, including the logging posts mentioned above, and greater representation of ONHAE in the management of the Zone.

EN ESPAÑOL Save America's Forests News - El gobierno ecuatoriano prepara para finalmente delimitar una Zona Intangible de 758,000 hectáreas en la corazón de la Amazonia ecuatoriana por un Decreto Ejecutivo. Las actividades extractivas tales como petróleo y la tala sería prohibido dentro la zona. La Zona Intangible se diseña para proteger el Tagaeri y Taromenane, los últimos dos grupos conocidos de indígenas en aislamiento voluntario en Ecuador. La Zona se comprende de la parte sur del Parque Nacional Yasuni y la sección sudeste del Territorio Huaorani.

La Zona Intangible se creó inicialmente en 1999, pero sus fronteras nunca se definieron. Por lo tanto, la Zona no existió técnicamente y había poca aplicación. Una consecuencia importante es la tala ilegal dentro de la Zona se ha agravado en los últimos años, llevando a confrontaciones mortales entre madereros y los Tagaeri-Taromenane.

Hay una parte polémico en el Decreto que coloca unas restricciones en—pero no prohibe—las actividades del petróleo dentro de la zona de amortiguamiento de la Zona Intangible. Por lo tanto, ha sido criticado fuertemente por CONAIE. CONAIE discute que todos los 2,000,000 hectáreas de Territorio Huaorani ancestral deben ser prohibidos las actividades petróleo.

Sin embargo, la Zona Intangible incluye la reserva petróleo potencialmente mas destructiva— Awant, localizado en el Bloque 17 de Andes Petroleum—dentro los límites. Awant se localiza en la región general donde lo se cree que los Taromenane vive actualmente. Andes Petroleum ha indicado su interés a desarrollar esta reserva del petróleo. La Zona Intangible incluye también la reserva del petróleo Obe—localizó en Bloque 31 dePetrobras'—y parte de las reservas de ITT. El Decreto prohibe también la construcción de vías de acceso dentro la zona de amortiguamiento.

El último borrdor del Decreto incluye también—para la primera vez—un compromiso del gobierno para establecer controles permanentes y moviles. Se cree extensamente que tales controles son un primer paso crítico a parar la tala ilegal debido a las rutas de salida para los madereros son bien conocidos.

Save America’s Forests ha sido muy activo en el proceso de completar la Zona Intangible sobre los pasados varios meses. Save America’s Forests—trabajando muy de cerca con el Vicepresidente de ONHAE, Moi Enomenga—estaba trabajando muy duro para convencer el gobierno a llevar a cabo la consulta del Huaorani acerca de la Zona Intangible. Mas de 150 Huaorani de casi todas las comunidades reunieron en la Coca el 8 de septiembre con funcionarios de Ministerio de Ambiente para aprender los detalles de la Zona Intangibles y hablar acerca de sus preocupaciones. Save America’s Forests era también instrumental en forzar algunos cambios claves en el último borrador del Decreto, inclusive los controles mencionado arriba, y la representación más justo de ONHAE en la administración de la Zona.

    September 2006
PETROBRAS UNVEILS NEW "ROADLESS" DESIGN FOR OIL DRILLING IN YASUNÍ

Save America's Forests News - On August 30, in an invitation-only presentation in Quito, Petrobras unveiled the new project design for extracting oil within one of the most intact parts of Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve. This region is the ancestral territory of the Huaorani and is widely recognized as possessing one of the most biodiverse rainforests on Earth.

The previous project design called for construction of an access road and processing facility within the park to exploit oil from the Nenke and Apaika platforms within Block 31, but was blocked in July 2005 by the Ecuadorian Environment Ministry. The Ministry, acting on intense national and international pressure, called on Petrobras to design a new roadless project.

The new design includes two major changes. First, it moves the processing facility to 2 km north of the park boundary, at the end of the 12 km access road that Petrobras built to the north of the park in early 2005. Second, instead of construction of an access road, helicopters will be used to access the site and facilitate the construction and maintenance of the flow lines and two platforms. Helicopters will be used to transport all equipment, including pipeline pipe, and personnel to one of five heliports within the park (three along the flow line route, and two more at the two platforms).

A total of 23.7 km of flow lines will be built to transport crude and associated waste water and gas from the two drilling platforms to the processing facility, 21.4 km of which will be within the park. The width of the clearing for the flow lines will be 10 meters during construction and reduced to 6 meters during operation. During construction, “small-sized” machinery will use a track of 2.4 km to construct the flow lines. The flow lines will be buried, including the crossing of the Tiputini River.

From the processing facility, a 32.5 km buried pipeline will be built, through primary rainforest north of the park, in order to transport crude to another pipeline originally constructed by Occidental Petroleum and now operated by PetroEcuador. The pipeline route will also be roadless, with helicopters used to deliver pipes to the various heliports along the route. From the second pipeline, the crude will be sent to the OCP pipeline in Lago Agrio, and then to the coast.

Total deforestation from the project will be 29 hectares (H) of primary rainforest. Much of the clearing, 16 H, will be for the processing facility. The clearing for the Nenke platform, located 18 km south of the Tiputini River, will be 3.6 H, including the 1.1 H already cleared for the exploratory well. The clearing for the Apaika platform, located 3.4 km further south from Nenke, will 4.4 H, including the 2 H already cleared for the exploratory well. Nenke will have up to 10 wells, and Apaika up to 20.

Following the presentation, Petrobras was critized by various participants for a lack of public access to information about the new project. Information was only made available in three consultation offices located deep in the rainforest, well beyond the means of most Ecuadorians and NGOs to reasonably access. The three offices were located in three indigenous communities impacted by the project (El Eden (Kichwa), Chiru Isla (Kichwa), and Kawimeno (Waorani)).

In a meeting with Petrobras the week prior to the Quito presentation, Save America´s Forests also criticized Petrobras for not consulting the Waorani leadership, ONHAE ( Organización de Nacionalidad Huaorani de la Amazonia Ecuatoriana ) and AMWAE ( Asociación de Mujeres Waorani de la Amazonia Ecuatoriana). However, Ecuador´s guidelines for consultation mandates that only impacted communities be consulted.

Petrobras plans to deliver the new studies to the Ecuadorian Environment and Energy Ministries for review in the coming weeks. The Environment Ministry has stated that it will post the studies online prior to approval.

Septiembre 2006

PETROBRAS desvela la nueva "No carretera" diseño
para la extracción de petróleo en YASUNÍÍ

EN ESPAÑOL Save America's Forests News - El 30 de agosto, en una invitación, sólo la presentación en Quito, Petrobras dio a conocer el nuevo diseño de los proyectos de extracción de petróleo dentro de una de las más partes intactas del Parque Nacional Yasuní y la Reserva de la Biosfera. Esta región es el territorio ancestral de los Huaorani y es ampliamente reconocido como la posesión de uno de los más biodiversos bosques tropicales de la Tierra.

El diseño del proyecto anterior llamado para la construcción de un camino de acceso y las instalaciones de procesamiento dentro del parque para explotar el petróleo de la Nenke y Apaika plataformas dentro del bloque 31, pero fue bloqueado en julio de 2005 por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente de Ecuador. El Ministerio, en una intensa presión nacional e internacional, pidió a Petrobras para diseñar un nuevo proyecto roadless.

El nuevo diseño incluye dos cambios importantes. En primer lugar, se mueve la planta de procesamiento a 2 km al norte de la frontera del parque, a finales de los 12 kilometros de carreteras de acceso que Petrobras construido al norte del parque a principios de 2005. En segundo lugar, en lugar de la construcción de un camino de acceso, los helicópteros se utilizarán para tener acceso al sitio Web y facilitar la construcción y el mantenimiento de las líneas de corriente y dos plataformas. Los helicópteros se utilizarán para el transporte de todo el equipo, incluyendo tuberías de oleoductos, y de personal a uno de los cinco helipuertos en el parque (tres a lo largo de la ruta de la línea de flujo, y dos más en las dos plataformas).

Un total de 23,7 kilómetros de líneas de flujo será construido para el transporte de crudo y de las aguas residuales y gas de las dos plataformas de perforación a la planta de procesamiento, 21,4 km de los cuales será en el parque. El ancho de la limpieza de las líneas de flujo será de 10 metros durante la construcción y reducido a 6 metros durante la operación. Durante la construcción, el "pequeño tamaño" mecanismo utilizará una pista de 2,4 km hasta la construcción de líneas de flujo. Las líneas de flujo será enterrado, incluido el cruce del río Tiputini.

Desde la planta de procesamiento, un 32,5 kilometros de tuberías enterradas será construido, a través de bosque primario al norte del parque, con el fin de transportar crudo a otro oleoducto construido originalmente por Occidental Petroleum y ahora operado por PETROECUADOR. La ruta también será roadless, con helicópteros utilizados para tuberías a los distintos helipuertos a lo largo de la ruta. Desde el segundo oleoducto, el crudo se enviará a la oleoducto OCP en Lago Agrio, y luego a la costa.

Total de la deforestación del proyecto será 29 hectáreas (H) de bosque primario. Gran parte de la limpieza, 16 H, será para la planta de procesamiento. El desmonte para la Nenke plataforma, situada 18 km al sur del río Tiputini, será 3,6 H, incluidos los 1,1 H ya despejado para la exploración. El desmonte para la Apaika plataforma, situado 3,4 km más al sur de Nenke, 4,4 H, incluido el 2 H ya despejado para la exploración. Nenke tendrá un máximo de 10 pozos, y Apaika hasta el 20.

Tras la presentación, Petrobras se critized por varios participantes por la falta de acceso público a la información sobre el nuevo proyecto. La información se puso a disposición sólo de consulta en tres oficinas situadas en las profundidades de la selva, más allá de los medios de la mayoría de los ecuatorianos y de las organizaciones no gubernamentales para el acceso razonablemente. Las tres oficinas se sitúan en tres de las comunidades indígenas afectadas por el proyecto (El Eden (Kichwa), Chiru Isla (Kichwa), y Kawimeno (Waorani)).

En una reunión con Petrobras la semana anterior a la presentación Quito, Save America's Forests Petrobras también criticó por no consultar a los Waorani liderazgo, la ONHAE (Organización de Nacionalidad Huaorani de la Amazonía Ecuatoriana) y AMWAE (la Asociación de Mujeres Waorani de la Amazonía Ecuatoriana ). Sin embargo, las directrices del Ecuador para la consulta mandatos que sólo se consultó a las comunidades impactadas.

Petrobras tiene previsto entregar los nuevos estudios a los ecuatorianos Ministerios de Medio Ambiente y Energía para su revisión en las próximas semanas. El Ministerio de Medio Ambiente ha declarado que será puesto en línea los estudios antes de su aprobación.


June 16, 2006 - 16 de Junio del 2006

Yasuní Rainforest Campaign News Analysis
Análisis De las Noticias De la Campaña De Selva Tropical De Yasuní


New Oil Reality for Yasuní - NEW MAPS
Nuevo Realidad del Petróleo Para Yasuní
- MAPAS NUEVOS-

 

Eight oil concessions cover Yasuní National Park and the Waorani Ethnic Reserve. Moreover, across the border in Peru is a continuous mass of over 15 oil concessions. This “oil landscape” has changed dramatically over the past several months.

Ocho concesiones de petroleo cubren el parque nacional de Yasuní y la reserva étnica de Waorani. Por otra parte, a través de la frontera en Perú está una masa continua sobre de 15 concesiones de petroleo. Este "paisaje del petroleo " ha cambiado dramáticamente el excedente el pasado varios meses.


NEWS UPDATE - MAY 2006 - WAORANI FACE THREE MAJOR THREATS

It has been a difficult last couple of months for the Waorani leaders, as they are now faced with three simultaneous crises. All three not only threaten the wildlands and biodiversity of Yasuní, but are also revealing that there are outside interests trying to cause divisions within the Waorani. These three threats are 1) illegal logging, 2) a dangerous new "usufruct contract" (rights to use the resources), and of course 3) oil.

The most pressing issue at the moment is illegal logging. In mid-April, the Taromenane—relatives of the Huaorani living in voluntary isolation deep in the rainforest—speared two illegal loggers working in their territory. One of the loggers, who had spears thrown through both his thorax and leg, later died. Since this event, there have been reports of a retaliatory massacre of the Taromenane by the loggers, but there is to date no verification if this really occurred. To further complicate matters, three Huaorani community leaders are reportedly receiving payoffs from the loggers and could be aiding the loggers in attempts to kill the Taromenane.

The second major threat is a so-called “contract” signed by former members of the ONWAE leadership—after they had been voted out of office—that grants an American company (EcoGenesis) the rights to exploit the riches of Waorani territory for the next 30 years. The contract includes logging rights and patent rights for any genetic discoveries. There is concern that the contract may also somehow involve oil activities, given that the President of EcoGenesis (Daniel Roscom) is president of another company (Genesis Eurasia) that focuses on development of hydrocarbon reserves in other countries. In February of 2006, the Waorani convened an Assembly and voted unanimously to denounce EcoGenesis and to repudiate the so-called EcoGenesis contract as illegal and void. The Waorani also reiterated their support for their current leaders, President Vicente Enomenga and Vice Presidente Moi Enomenga, who strongly oppose all new oil development in Yasuní.

The Attorney General of Ecuador is working to annul the EcoGenesis contract. The Waorani, Save America’s Forests and Land is Life are working with Ecuadorian lawyers at the NGO Ecolex to obtain a preliminary injunction, and to have the contract nullified.

The third problem is the constant threat from continued and expanded oil operations. There are 8 oil concessions in Yasuni National Park and the Waorani Ethnic Reserve. In April of 2006, Petrobras announced it will not be building a new road and processing facility within the park and ancestral Waorani territory.

Save America's Forests considers the defeat of the Petrobras road a partial victory. We support the Waorani call for a complete moratorium on all new oil exploration and construction in the entire Yasuní region for at least 10 years.

EN ESPAÑOL
ACTUALIDAD - mayo 2006 - WAORANI se enfrentan con tres grandes amenaza

Ha sido una difícil últimos dos meses para la Waorani dirigentes, como lo son ahora que hacer frente a tres crisis simultáneas. Los tres no sólo amenazan la diversidad biológica de las tierras silvestres y Yasuní, pero también son reveladores de que hay intereses externos tratando de provocar divisiones dentro de los Waorani. Estas tres amenazas son 1) la extracción ilegal de madera, 2) una nueva y peligrosa "contrato de usufructo" (derechos de uso de los recursos) y, por supuesto, 3) de petróleo.

La cuestión más urgente en este momento es la extracción ilegal de madera. A mediados de abril, los Taromenane - parientes de los Huaorani viven en aislamiento voluntario en las profundidades de la selva - speared dos extractores ilegales que trabajan en su territorio. Uno de los madereros, que había arrojado lanzas a través de su tórax y pierna, falleció posteriormente. Desde este caso, ha habido informes de una matanza de represalia de los Taromenane por los madereros, pero no existe hasta la fecha ninguna de verificación si esto realmente ocurrió. Para complicar aún más el asunto, tres dirigentes de las comunidades Huaorani se informa, que reciben sobornos de los madereros y podría ayudar a los madereros a los intentos de matar a los Taromenane.

La segunda gran amenaza es el llamado "contrato" firmado por el ex miembros de la ONWAE liderazgo - después de que se hayan votado fuera de la oficina - que otorga a una empresa estadounidense (EcoGenesis) los derechos de explotación de las riquezas de Waorani territorio para la próxima 30 años. El contrato incluye la tala de derechos y los derechos de patente para cualquier descubrimientos genéticos. Existe la preocupación de que el contrato puede también de alguna manera la participación de las actividades petroleras, en vista de que el Presidente de EcoGenesis (Daniel Roscom) es el presidente de otra empresa (Génesis Eurasia), que se centra en el desarrollo de reservas de hidrocarburos en otros países. En febrero de 2006, la Waorani convocó una Asamblea y votado por unanimidad a denunciar EcoGenesis y para repudiar el llamado EcoGenesis contrato como ilegal y nulo. El Waorani también reiteraron su apoyo a sus dirigentes actuales, el Presidente Vicente Enomenga y Vice Presidente Moi Enomenga, que se oponen firmemente a todos los nuevos explotación petrolera en Yasuní.

El Fiscal General de Ecuador está trabajando para anular la EcoGenesis contrato. El Waorani, Save America's Forests y Land is Life están trabajando con abogados ecuatorianos en la ONG Ecolex de obtener un mandamiento judicial provisional, y que el contrato anulado.

El tercer problema es la constante amenaza de continuar y ampliar las actividades petroleras. Hay 8 concesiones petroleras en el Parque Nacional Yasuní y la Waorani Reserva Étnica. En abril de 2006, Petrobras anunció que no será la construcción de una nueva carretera y la instalación de procesamiento dentro del parque y ancestral Waorani territorio.

Save America's Forests considera que la derrota de la carretera Petrobras una victoria parcial. Apoyamos la Waorani llamamiento para una moratoria completa sobre todos los nuevos exploración de petróleo y de la construcción en toda la región de Yasuní, al menos, 10 años.

 

Congratulations to the Ecuadorian citizens, NGOs, scientists and of course the Waorani and other indigenous groups for their work in stopping the Petrobras road and protecting Yasuní National Park.

Save America’s Forests has been privileged to be a leading participant in the international campaign to stop the Petrobras road from entering Yasuní National Park. In March of 2004, Save America’s Forests Staff Ecologist Dr. Matthew Finer, together with the Ecuadorian NGO Accion por la Vida, began the campaign against the Petrobras road. They successfully pressured the Ecuadorian Environment Minsitry to reject the Environmental Impact Study and mandate analysis of roadless alternatives. In the Fall of 2004, Finer worked with Finding Species to convene a conference of Yasuní scientists in Ecuador who wrote a ground-breaking report on the threats from oil roads to the biodiversity Yasuní National Park. The scientists also wrote a letter opposing the Petrobras road. In February of 2005, Save America’s Forests wrote a letter co-signed by some of the world’s most famous scientists, including Dr. E.O. Wilson and Dr. Jane Goodall. This letter emphasized the threats of the proposed new oil road and led to a New York Times article that brought world-wide attention to the situation. The letter was presented to the Ecuadorian and Brazilian governments by delegations led by Save America’s Forests at their respective U.S. embassies, and was also presented to government officials in meetings in Ecuador. In the Spring of 2005, Save America’s Forests helped catalyze the formation of an international coalition of NGOs to stop the Petrobras road.

We believe these letters were a significnt factor in Environment Minister Anita Alban's decision to deny Petrobras permission to constuct the road into Yasuni National Park and mandate roadless developmentd.

In addition, Save America’s Forests and Land is Life worked closely during this past year with the indigenous Waorani to help them express their opposition to the Petrobras development and organize against it. The Waorani are calling for a 10 year moratorium on new oil activities on their ancestral territory.

     
 

News Stories

September 2006 -
Petrobras Unveils New "Roadless" Design For Drilling in Yasuní
SEE STORY ABOVE

September 9, 2006 -
The Intangible Zone Boundaries are Prepared
Los límites de la zona intangible están listos

El Comercio - The Intangible zone, which seeks to protect the natural diversity and villages living in voluntary isolation (Tagaeri-Taromenani), has established limits. The rough draft of the Legal protections was presented yesterday at 10:00 by the undersecretary of Capital Forestal, Alfredo Carrasco, to the leaders of the 32 Waorani Communities and to environmental organizations.
more in ENGLISH translation   En Español >

September 2, 2006 -
The Threats to Protected Areas Grow
Las amenazas para los guardaparques crecen

El Comercio - For the third time this year, those enforcing restrictions on illegal cutting experienced problems from a group of Waorani with ties to the loggers. On Wednesday, August 30, a group of park guards was attacked by Waorani from the community of Noneno. That community is led by Manuel Kahuilla, one of the Waorani that maintains agreements to log cedro wood from Yasuní National Park and the Tagaeri Taromenane Intangible Zone.
more ENGLISH translation  En Español >

September 2, 2006 -
The Indigenous Communities Demand Protection
Los pueblos indígenas demandan protección

El Comercio - The groups living in voluntary isolation in the Orellana Province are threatened by the violation their human rights and the failure to administer the laws that guarantee their subsistence. In the eye of the storm are the oil companies and loggers, groups that have helped create this storm by not respecting the habitat, the indigenous villages, and the environment.
more in ENGLISH translation   En Español >

September 1, 2006 -
The Waorani Support the Intangible Zone
La Zona Intangible tiene el apoyo waorani

El Comercio - The National Organization of the Waorani of the Ecuadorian Amazon (ONWAE) ratified the organization's endorsement of the process of establishing boundaries for the Tagaeri-Taromenane Intangible Zone, which is located in Yasuni National Park. Alicia Kahuilla, the President of Waorani women, stated that on September 8 she will meet in Francisco de Orellana (Coca) to learn the details of the proposed boundary and the Executive Decree that establishes the limits of the protected area and how this area will be administered.
more in ENGLISH translation   En Español >

August 17, 2006 -
Controlling Logging in Yasuni National Park
La tala se controla en el Parque Yasuní

El Comercio - The Cononaco and Shiripuno Rivers, in the heart of Yasuni Nacional Park, are the routes through which industrial quantities of wood are extracted from the forest. On Tuesday, Ana Alban, the Environment Minister, Jose Serrano, the Labor Minister, and Fabian Fuel, the head of operations of Napo Forest Brigade 19, took a flight over sections of the Cononaco and Shiripuno Rivers in the Intangible Zone.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

August 9, 2006 -
Twelve Logging Camps are close to the Intangible Zone
12 campamentos madereros están cerca de la Zona Intangible

El Comercio - Illegal logging to the west of the intangible zone and in Yasuni National Park is increasing. In the last few months, evidence of incursions by loggers into territory occupied by hidden or voluntarily isolated villages has been accumulating.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

August 9, 2006 -
The Life-Flight Services are Expanded
El servicio de ambulancia aérea se ampliará

El Comercio - The inhabitants of the forests of Pastaza have much difficulty taking their infirmed to the medical centers of Puyo. In March, however, agreements were made that could increase this social service. The organization Wings of Aid provides air ambulance service, but demand is increasing in the more remote communities.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

July 26, 2006 -
The Waorani seek USAID Assistance for Ecotourism Project
Los Huaorani buscan apoyo en EE.UU. para un proyecto turístico

El Comercio - The indigenous Waorani of the Ecuadorian Amazon, represented by the ONHAE organization, made a presentation at the beginning of the week to the director of the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington. The presentation was a proposal for a project for technical assistance for ecoturismo in the provinces of Pastaza, Napo and Orellana.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

July 11, 2006 -
The Napo River Links 60 Communities in the Orellana Province
El río Napo es el nexo de 60 comunidades en Orellana

El Comercio - The river is the driving force of the life of the Kichwa Indians and the colonists that live on the shores of the Napo, in Orellana. Education, health, commerce, family life and transportation depend on the river's flows. Nevertheless, transportation is scarce and thus communication is difficult, especially for the poor.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

July 5, 2006 -
The Waorani form an Association with the Oil Companies
Los waorani forman una asociación con los petrolero

El Comercio - The problems facing the Waorani have multiplied. The acquisitions of division in their leadership have been confirmed. The director of the National Association of Waorani of the Ecuadoraian Amazon (ONWAE) is being accused of being responsible for the alleged disappearance of $94,500 that was given by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the construction of 189 traditional Waorani houses.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

July 5, 2006 -
The Division between the Indigenous People Grows
La división indígena es cada vez mayor

El Comercio - The leaders try to hide it, while their detractors try to demonstrate it. The certain thing is that in the past weeks the episode of division amongst the Waorani has been repeated. In the ONWAE conflict, the particular interests of the leaders are not the only interests that are present. The oil companies and NGOs are also involved. --Los dirigentes tratan de ocultarlo, sus detractores de evidenciarlo. Lo cierto es que en las últimas semanas se repite el capítulo de la división entre los waorani. En el conflicto de la Onwae no sólo están presentes los intereses particulares de los dirigentes. También intervienen petroleras y fundaciones.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

June 28, 2006 -
The Intangible Zone Boundaries are Defined
Los límites de la Zona Intangible están definidos

El Comercio - After two years of negotiations, the Intangible Zone, located in the south of the Yasuní National Park, is about to become permanent. A rough draft of the Executive Decree that would delimit the zone now exists.According to the boundaries presented, the Tagaeri Taromenane Intangible Zone will cover 758,051 hectares and it will have a wide buffer zone of ten kilometers that will surround the entire Intangible Zone. In the buffer strip, construction work such as roads, hydroelectric power stations, and oil and mineral facilities is prohibited.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

June 16 2006 -
New Oil Reality for Yasuní - NEW MAPS

SEE STORY ABOVE

May 2006 -
News Update - Three Major Threats

SEE STORY ABOVE

May 26, 2006 -
Five Agreements in the Wao Plan of Life
Cinco acuerdos en el plan de vida wao

El Comercio - Yesterday morning a delegation composed of eleven Waorani, women and children presented the Waorani Community’s Strategic Life Plan (Plan de Vida). This was the third meeting of this kind. Monday’s meeting was with the representatives of the oil companies, Tuesday’s was with delegates from the government ministries, and yesterday’s was with delegates from NGOs that work with the community.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

May 12, 2006 -
Cautionary Measures for the Taromenane
Medidas cautelares para los taromenane

El Comercio - The Interamerican Commission for Human Rights (CIDH) sent a communication to the Ecuadorian State in which it is requested that the State adopt effective measures to “protect the lives and personal integrity of the members of the Tagaeri and Taromenane communities.
more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >


May 7, 2006 -
The Taromenane or the Virtual News
Los taromenane o la noticia virtual

El Comercio - If journalism had a patron saint, it would be Saint Thomas. It was he who said: see to believe. But in times of apocryphal evangelicals, Gnostics and Agnostics, the press was also given certain license to be trusted. Saturday, April 29, three national newspapers woke up us up with the following titles: ‘Violence in the Tagaeri Zone Intensifies’ (Expreso), ‘A Conflict in the Jungle Leaves Two Taromenane Dead’ (El Universo) and ‘The Intangible Zone is Tinted with Taromenane Blood’ (El Comercio).
more in ENGLISH translation       En Español >

May 4, 2006 -
The Indigenous Leaders Would Permit Illegal Logging in the Amazon
Los líderes indígenas permitirían tala ilegal en la amazonía

Hoy- The Government is continuing to investigate the alleged massacre of 30 indigenous Taromenane in the jungles to the south of Orellana, in what may have been a confrontation over the illegal exploitation of wood. Ana Albán, the Environmental Minister, yesterday affirmed in declarations to the AFP, that “when the uncontacted Tagaeri and Taromenane communities (descendants of the Waorani) attack loggers, what has happened in the past is that the Wao communities that are in contact with civilization go out hunting for those that have hurt their business.” more in ENGLISH translation    En Español >

May 3, 2006 -
Minister of Defense Denies Massacre of Indigenous

The Defense Minister, Oswaldo Jarrín, today denied that there was a slaughter of Amazonian indigenous and called rumor about this “perverse”. Jarrín stated that “we are working with representatives of (the ethnicity of) the Waorani,” who ruled out the murder, and at the time clarified that other indigenous, such as the Tagaeri and Taromenane, “are not involved in the problem.” more in ENGLISH translation      En Español >

May 3, 2006 -
The Wao Are Exposed On Too Many Fronts

The conservation of the Waorani territory and Yasuní National Park in the Amazon becomes more uncertain each day. Among the primary causes is the division of the Organization of the Waorani Nationality, in addition to the exploitation of timber and oil. Another problem is the siege of foundations that are looking to benefit from the natural resources. The absence of control on the part of the State contributes to this. In the last few months there have been three changes in the Government Council of the Organization of the Waorani Nationality (ONWAE). Armando Boya, Juan Enomenga, and Vicente Enomenga were all President. more in ENGLISH translation   En Español >

May 3, 2006 -
The Logging of Cedar is Financing War on the Taromenane

Manuel Cahuilla, also known as Huane, lives in that Wao community. He has agreements with logger for the exploitation of cedar in Taromenane territory. Cahuilla has looked for the Taromenane on various occasions, the last time being two days after the attack on April 13. He brought several spears back from the trip, which he put up for sale in Coca for $60 each. During Friday and Saturday several helicopter flyovers were made. None turned up evidence of the confrontation, but they did reaffirm the magnitude of illegal logging in the protected areas. more in ENGLISH translation
En Español >


May 2, 2006 -
The Government Has Plans for Yasuní
 
The Government will set rules to stop the exploitation of wood in Tigüino, Shiripuno, and in general around Yasuní National Park, in Orellana Province. more in ENGLISH translation En Español >

May 2, 2006 -
Alleged Slaughter of Indigenous Tarnishes Human Rights Mission in Ecuador
 
A confrontation in the Ecuadorian Amazon that left two indigenous women dead, and may have as many as 30 victims according to ecological groups other Indigenous, cast a shadow over the visit of the UN Special Rapporteur, who paradoxically was looking into the situation of the country’s indigenous. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People, last Tuesday began an eight day visit to Ecuador to evaluate the state of human rights in the country’s communities. The visit stumbled last Saturday with reports of an alleged massacre of Indigenous in the Pastaza Province
.    more in ENGLISH translation  
En Español >


May 2 2006 -
Slaughter Continues in Mystery
 
The mystery is surrounding the alleged slaughter of indigenous Taromenane in the South of Orellana. Yesterday, the events were explained to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People, the Mexican Roberto Stevahagen, who visited Pastaza. more in ENGLISH translation  En Español >

May 1 2006 -
The Deaths of 30 Indigenous are not Confirmed
 
The Governor of Orellana says that there weren’t deaths, but the President of ONWAE maintains that there was a slaughter. more in ENGLISH translation  En Español >

May 1 2006 -
A Group of the Waorani is Looking for the Tagaeri-Taromenane
 
Yesterday, in the streets of Orellana (Coca), the final day of the area’s celebrations happened. Groups of warriors, parades, musical groups… The celebration was alien to the conflict between indigenous groups that is happening in the neighboring forests. The authorities neither confirmed nor denied the alleged massacre of uncontacted indigenous Tagaeri-Taromenane and loggers.
more in ENGLISH translation En Español >

APRIL 30 2006 -
No Trace of the Tagaeri in the Intangible Zone
The story that six people were killed in a confrontation between loggers and ethnic Tagaeri-Taromenane, in the Cononaco Chico area ( Chiripuno River) in Yasuní ( Orellana Province), is causing controversy. Vicente Enomenga, President of the Organization of the Waorani Nationality (ONWAE), explained that three loggers and an equal number of Tagaeri were killed. The Army and the Police that on Friday arrived at the site via air and water denied this and said that they are speculations. more in ENGLISH translation En Español >


APRIL 29 2006 -
The Violence in Yasuní Increases
To the south of Yasuní Nacional Park, an unequal war is occurring. Spears against shotguns. The loggers, who log illegally in the protected area, and their Waorani associates are confronting the communities in voluntary isolation, or uncontacted communities. The loggers advance further and further into the heart of the intangible zone, where all types of extractive activities are prohibited, in search of cedar. This tree, valued for the quality of its wood, has practically disappeared from the Amazonian areas where there are roads. more in ENGLISH translation En Español >

APRIL 29 2006 -
The Government is Investigating the Deaths of 40 Indigenous

The Government will investigate an alleged massacre of Indigenous in the Amazon at the hands of armed loggers, caused by a dispute over a zone of the forest, reported today by a local member of the press. more in ENGLISH translation  En Español >

APRIL 26 2006 -
The Nashiño River is the Northern Boundary of the Tagaeri Intangible Zone
 
After seven years, the boundaries of the Tagaeri-Taromenane Intangible Zone (ZI) are almost ready. In an effort to protect the communities that are in voluntary isolation, all extractive activities are prohibited in this area. With this preliminary delimitation, the ZI is 710,643 Ha in size. Ana Albán, the environmental minister, emphasized that this proposal still has to be agreed upon by the involved parties. With this action, the Petrobrás, Repsol, PetroOriental (formerly Encana) and Petroecuador oil blocks are trimmed. more in ENGLISH translation  En Español >

APRIL 25 2006 -
Petrobrás Presents Modifications to its Block 31 Project
 
The petroleum company Petrobrás Energy of Ecuador (Petrobrás) yesterday presented the Environmental Ministry (MAE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) with the modified plans for the development of the Apaika and Nenke oil fields in Block 31. more in ENGLISH translation  En Español >

APRIL 25 2006 -
Petrobras Decides Not to Build Yasuni Roadway

Amazonia.org.br - Brazilian state-run company confirms a change of plans for oil exploration in national park in Ecuador. Amazonia.org.br - Brazilian state-run company confirms a change of plans for oil exploration in national park in Ecuador. more in ENGLISH  

APRIL 24 2006 -
Petrobras Abandons Plans for Oil Road in Ecuadorian Amazon Park (YASUNÍ)

WASHINGTON, DC, April 24, 2006 (ENS) - The Brazilian national oil company Petrobras has relinquished plans to build a new access road into Yasuni National Park, located in the megadiverse Ecuadorian Amazon. The company has not given up on oil development within the park, but now says it will employ helicopters to access the site. more in ENGLISH  

APRIL 22 2006 -
Three Waorani Families Live Off Logging in the Forests of Orellana
 
While the Waorani leadership condemns illegal logging, the Wao communities that live close to Yasuní National Park (PNY) and the Intangible Zone cut the forests on a large scale. Three families from Pindo, Ñoneno and Tiguino are beneficiaries of this illegal activity. This is according to a report written by the Yasuní National Park authorities. The names of the involved are: Iqui Ima; Bave Ima; Manuel Kaiwa; Mingui Agua and Iteca. They have agreements with loggers to extract cedar in this zone. Additionally, they provide protection adn accomodations to the Ecuadorian and Columbian workers employed to log. more in ENGLISH translation   En Español >>

APRIL 20 2006 -
Illegal Logging, a Chronic Problem in Yasuní
 
“It was the first time that we went to log in that zone, we didn’t know that someone had died in August.” Along with Moreira, sixteen other people entered the forest on March 17 to log the forest in groups of three. “We made trips of 15 or 10 days, and depending upon the number of boards that we could make with the saw, we could earn up to $25 a day.” more in ENGLISH translation  En Espanól >>

APRIL 19 2006 -
The Wao Warn Loggers
 
The loggers that intend to enter in Waorani territory are warned. They will be speared or detained by the communities of the Nationality.Vicente Enomenga, president of the Governing Council of the Organization of the Waorani Nationality (ONWAE), recorded the prohibition. No logger can enter in the 700,000 Ha of Wao territory. However, the head of ONWAE clarified that it was not the Waorani who attacked the loggers last Thursday. It was the Taromenane, an uncontacted community, that separated from the Wao and live in virgin jungle. more in ENGLISH translation   En Español >>

APRIL 14 2006 -
Two Loggers Injured by Spears in Orellana
 
Gilder Moreira and William Angulo entered the Francisco de Orellana Hospital Emergency Room at 11:30 yesterday, after having supposedly been attacked by indigenous Waorani. The victims showed bodily wounds caused by indigenous spears. Because of the seriousness of William Angulo’s case, he was transferred to The Eugenio Espejo Hospital of Quito, in an Alas de Socorro Foundation airplane. more in ENGLISH translation