Four years ago, the Peruvian government granted Mobil and its partners Exxon and Elf (Mobil and Exxon have since merged) the right to explore for oil and natural gas in Candamo Valley and the surrounding region, an area known to the oil industry as Block 78. So far, Mobil has done only preliminary work in Candamo Valley, and its impact has been minimal. According to the Peruvian government, however, the results of Mobil's initial exploration indicate that the valley may hold large reserves of natural gas.

Earlier this year, as part of its exploration contract, Mobil was required to release twenty-five percent of the land it holds within Block 78. Environmentalists-and, according to a recent poll, the majority of Peruvians-hoped that Mobil would give up its claims to the Candamo Valley, which would open the way for the valley to be incorporated into the nearby Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. Instead, Mobil retained its claim to explore for oil and gas in the valley.

If ExxonMobil decides to develop the valley, the risks are numerous. Already, a hill near Mobil's exploratory well site collapsed, heightening fears that a chemical spill from the project might enter the nearby river and pollute the headwaters of the Amazon basin. According to Lauren Sullivan, RAN's Amazon Oil Campaigner, "Even if ExxonMobil uses the best available technology, oil and gas projects inevitably pose a threat to the health and long-term survival of an ecosystem."

The threat is particularly troubling given the unique natural riches of the Candamo Valley. It is home to a multitude of animal species, including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, anaconda, armadillo, and the endangered giant otter. In the span of just two years, biologists studying the area have identified 663 vertebrate species, one new species of fish, and 426 species of birds. The valley is a complex, healthy, and intact ecosystem-"a complete Amazon in miniature," according to some scientists, capable of existing independent of what goes on in the rest of the Amazon.

All of this could change with oil or gas development. "Similar projects have devastated ecosystems throughout South America, resulting in the toxic pollution of air, soil, water, and massive deforestation," points out RAN's Lauren Sullivan. "Furthermore, top climate scientists agree that we cannot afford to burn even one quarter of our existing oil and gas reserves without risking the worst impacts of climate change. Knowing these risks, we have to ask: Is it worth it? Is it worth sacrificing one of the last wild, pristine spots on Earth?"

What You Can Do!

The fate of the Candamo Valley is currently in the hands of ExxonMobil. Mobil's public relations officers claim that the company understands the importance of Candamo; however, Mobil's decision not to release its claim to explore for oil and gas in the valley indicates that the company is still considering development of the region.

Please write to ExxonMobil and urge the company not to proceed with any oil or gas development in the Candamo Valley.

Recipient: Mr. Lee Raymond

Subject: Protect the Candamo Valley!

Mr. Lee Raymond Chief Executive Officer ExxonMobil 5959 Las Colinas Boulevard Irving, TX 75039-2298 fax: (972) 444-1882 Telephone: 972-444-1000 Dear Mr. Raymond, I was extremely disappointed to learn that ExxonMobil recently decided not to release its claim to explore for oil and gas in the Candamo Valley in the Peruvian Amazon. The Candamo Valley is one of the most pristine and biodiverse places in the Amazon region. While much of the Amazon has been irrevocably altered by human activity, the Candamo Valley has survived in close to its original state. I urge you to strongly reconsider any plans your company has to open this area to oil or natural gas development. If ExxonMobil releases its claim to the Candamo Valley, the valley could be incorporated into the nearby Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. I strongly support this as a way forward, as do the majority of Peruvians. I plan to follow this issue closely, and hope that I can count on you to ensure that ExxonMobil does the right thing. Sincerely, Error: Unable to read footer file.