How the almighty dollar is killing any hope of responsible stewardship in the Amazon Rainforest (Ecopedia)

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Ecuador Selling Off Rainforest to Chinese Oil Companies

by Ken Sleight

2012, the Ecuadorian government had been publicly opposed to opening up oil drilling in the pristine rainforests of Eastern Ecuador. But then, in November, the government openly invited oil companies to come to the country and bid for drilling rights on over three million hectares of untouched land – land that is currently inhabited by seven indigenous tribes, none of which had any say in this decision. While it isn’t exactly illegal, it is definitely immoral and a perfect example of how the almighty dollar is killing any hope of responsible stewardship in the Amazon Rainforest.

In protest against the oil rights sale, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and the Confederation of Amazonian Indigenous Nationalities (CONFENIAE), representatives of the Kichwa, Sapara, Shuar, Waorani, Achuar, and Shiwiar Andoas tribes,  gathered outside of the Marriott in Quito where the initial talks were held. Several of the indigenous tribe leaders stormed the meeting and took up positions against Minister of Non-Renewable Energy Wilson Pastor.

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