Two million hectares of rainforest at risk
On January 24, the Ecuadorian government opened 10 new rainforest blocks to oil development. The Quito-based environmental organisation, Accion Ecologica, has requested that faxes be sent to the president of the Ecuadorian state oil company immediately.
The group suggests a letter along these lines:
Dr Frederico Vintimilla
Presidente Ejecutivo de Petroecuador Secretario del Comite Especial de Licitaciones
Fax 593 2 569 738
Dear Sir,
It has come to our attention that the government of Ecuador is conducting another round of licensing for oil exploration in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We are extremely concerned that this is happening despite the record of environmental damage that has accompanied previous rounds of exploration and oil drilling.
We also are aware that the oil company Texaco, whose environmental record in Ecuador is a disgrace, is being allowed to participate in the licensing round. This despite their refusal to take responsibility for the environmental damage they caused during their prior activities in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
The past record of oil companies in the rainforest does not inspire confidence in the future of the Amazon, and we therefore call on the government of Ecuador to impose a moratorium on further oil exploration in the Ecuadorian Amazon until the year 2000.
A copy should be faxed to Accion Ecologica, 593 2 547 516.