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Spring 2012
Dear Friends,
We know that the rainforests are critical for maintaining the Earth's climate. For many of us these ancient forests also represent places of abundance and beauty that renew our spirits.
It gives me great hope to see how many more people have recently joined Amazon Watch's community at such an important moment. Strengthened by our growing network of 150,000+ online supporters, our team and partners have made incredible impact around the globe this spring: organizing critical missions to strongholds in Brazil and Ecuador; bringing delegations of indigenous leaders from the Amazon to the oil sands of Canada to expose industry land grabs in Peru; forging powerful alliances and recruiting supporters worldwide.
Whether you choose to sign a petition, host an educational or fundraising event, or join us on a supporter delegation to see the Amazon firsthand and renew your spirits, you are helping our movement grow at a critical time for the future of the planet's largest rainforest.
For Future Generations,
Atossa Soltani
Executive Director
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Judges of the Inter-American Human Rights Court took the unusual step of making an in situ visit to the Kichwa indigenous community of Sarayaku in the heart of Ecuador's central Amazon region in April. The historic visit was part of the community's long-running case against the Ecuadorian government over rights abuses suffered when an Argentine oil company began conducting seismic testing in search of oil reserves with the aid of Ecuador's military. The entrance of the oil company into Sarayaku lands occurred without the consultation or consent of the community. A decision in the case is expected this year and will have sweeping implications for indigenous rights across the Americas.
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A brave delegation of Achuar leaders traveled to Canada to demand that Calgary-based Talisman Energy cease oil drilling in their ancestral territory and to see firsthand how indigenous people in Canada have fared during oil operations in their homelands. The group visited Ottawa, Calgary, Fort McMurray, Vancouver and Haida Gwaii; meeting with members of Parliament, press, Talisman officials, First Nations leaders and supporters in an effort to build alliances and raise awareness about Talisman's abuses. Talisman has been drilling exploratory wells in the heart of Achuar territory and continues to ignore their calls to leave. Explore through the eyes of the Achuar in these photos.
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After years of pressing a historic lawsuit against Big Oil behemoth Chevron, the communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon still do not have access to clean water. This must change: We cannot wait for Chevron to do the right thing while families drink contaminated water. A coalition has joined forces to support a solution – ClearWater – a water project led by Ecuadorian communities to provide immediate relief to the region still suffering the effects of oil contamination. We're still working around the clock to hold Chevron accountable, in the meantime it's time to meet needs on the ground by supporting ClearWater.
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In the months preceding the Rio+20 Earth Summit the Brazilian government is seeking to reinforce its credentials as a country that has balanced economic growth and poverty reduction with respect for environmental sustainability and human rights. However, President Rousseff may find it challenging to keep the wool pulled over our eyes given disastrous reforms to the country's forest protection law and the illegal construction of the Belo Monte dam. Amazon Watch and our allies recently greeted President Rousseff with protests in Washington D.C., and we'll be in Rio this June.
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For more than 18 years Ecuadorian Amazonian communities have waged a historic battle for justice against Chevron, which has vowed not to pay the $18 billion judgement. Later this month two Ecuadorian representatives of 30,000 plaintiffs will leave the Amazon and travel to California to confront Chevron. They need your support to stand face-to-face with Chevron CEO John Watson and the board of directors, shareholders, media and an international community that continues to support them through this epic battle for justice. Join the Cause, share with your friends and follow their journey.
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