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THE PETROLEUM PROBLEM

Petroleum operations have been under way in Achuar territory since 1970. These operations have resulted in pollution of the environment and natural resources, illness, and the loss of the Achuar people’s resources and culture. The presence of petroleum companies also threatens the Achuar people’s unity. All of these activities have occurred without compensation or indemnification.

There are six petroleum blocks in Achuar territory:

See map of PERUPETRO blocks

On the PastazaRiver:

• The situation in Block 64 and Block 101

On the CorrientesRiver:

• The situation in Block 1 AB and Block 8-8x
• The situation in Block 104 and Block 106

Achuar children and adults have been poisoned with cadmium and lead in their blood. Animals and fish in the area are also dying from the pollution of rivers as a result of petroleum operations. The Achuar people are fighting for a healthy life and seek to continue living in a way that enables them to enjoy the power of nature.