Finally the Quechua people of the Pastaza River in Peru have received national attention to the environmental and social devastation caused by 40 years of oil activity. Congress has just announced the results of recently conducted environmental tests in the area, signalling unprecedented levels of contamination that in some areas exceed 222-382 national water quality standards! The Quechua now require legal representation to demand health care, environmental clean-up and fair compensation.
40 years of oil activity has brought complete devastation to the Quechua people. A once pristine environment of immense biodiversity has been destroyed by crude oil and toxic chemicals. There is now no clean drinking water and few safe food sources, resulting in life-threatening disease, especially among children. Now, government studies reveal unprecedented levels of contamination, and the Quechua need legal and financial support more than ever to stand up against the oil companies.
With the recent release of these test results, there is an incredible opportunity to ensure that oil companies don't continue "business-as-usual" and that the Quechua people can finally live oil-free after 40 years of injustices. Your support will help hire professionals to conduct environmental and health impact studies, provide travel and logistical support for indigenous leaders, sustain legal efforts to end oil activity in the area, and ensure proper monitoring and oversight.
Your help will have significant long-term benefits for the people of the Pastaza. With proper legal and economic support, the oil company will be held liable for its actions and the Quechua will receive the health care, compensation and environmental clean-up they deserve. Further, in 2015 the government plans to license the area once again to oil companies, leading to many more years of oil activity. We are calling for a moratorium on oil activity in this area to put an end to this injustice.
