A Voice For the Voiceless

MISSION

The Advocacy Project seeks to help community-based advocates produce, disseminate and use information, and so become more effective advocates for human rights and social justice

Independent Federation of the Shuar Nation of Ecuador

FIPSE is the representative organization of the Shuar people, located in Pastaza and Morona-Santiago provinces. Part of the traditional territory of these people is threatened by oil exploration, as it falls in oil concession Block 24. This territory was leased to Arco for development.

FIPSE activist.

The Shuar work closely with the Achuar (a related indigenous group) in a strategy of resistance to all oil development on their traditional lands. FIPSE president Tito Puanchir expressed his community’s unconditional opposition to oil exploitation, saying, "Our rivers, our forests, which are the source of life for us, for our children, and for our children’s children, cannot be bought. We are demanding that our right to develop our communities in a sustainable manner be respected."

In 1998 Arco company representatives visited Shuar families and local community leaders, and the company persuaded three communities to allow oil exploration in return for $3,000 for each community. FIPSE objected to this arrangement, and went to court to block Arco’s divisive maneuver. The court case was backed up by direct action, including a demonstration of hundreds of Shuar and Achuar members in Macas, and the occupation of an airstrip by a thousand people.

FIPSE’s lawsuit was based on the concept that the organized Shuar community had the right to preserve its customs and to engage a representative body to negotiate in defense of its territory. In 1999 the local court handed down a decision ordering Arco to negotiate exclusively via the FIPSE general assembly. This decision was upheld by Ecuador’s Supreme Court in early 2000. The injunction did not explicitly prohibit Arco from drilling in Block 24, but it slowed down the company’s operations significantly. Arco eventually sold off its lease rights and left Ecuador altogether, turning Block 24 over to Burlington Oil Company.

FIPSE demonstration.

Burlington Resources has not fared better in the face of local resistance. The injunction secured by FIPSE requiring Arco to consult them was confirmed in court as applying to Burlington as well. But in keeping with its unconditional opposition to oil development, FIPSE refuses to speak with Burlington, leaving the company no way to proceed with exploration. As a result, Burlington was compelled to exempt itself from requirements of its contract with the Ecuadorian government due to "force majeure," or conditions beyond its control.

Thus at present it seems that the Achuar and Shuar’s total opposition to oil development has been successful. But it would not be wise to assume that this is a secure victory.

Oil companies have been driven out of the Oriente before, as when Conoco, and Maxus after them, relinquished Block 16 in the northern part of the region. As a result of resistance in that area, large parts of Cuyabeno Park and the traditional lands of the uncontacted Tagaere indigenous community were placed under official "protection" in 1999. But today, these lands are threatened again by new oil exploration. The Shuar, and anyone else who advocates the strategy of total resistance to oil, will face more struggles in the future.

• FIPSE -- Independent Federation of the Shuar Nation of Ecuador tel: (593-7) 701 894