ACTION ALERT
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Citi-backed Gas Project Threatens the Peruvian Amazon
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TAKE ACTION FOR
http://www.ran.org/info_center/aa/aa156_camisea.html
12/15/01
OVERVIEW & COMMENTARY by Forests.org
One of the World?s most biologically diverse rainforest regions is to
undergo industrial gas development courtesy of financial services
provided by Citigroup. Peru's Lower Urubamba Region houses nearly
800 species of birds, 120 species of fish, 86 species of reptiles,
and 369 species of mammals. These rainforests are also the legally
recognized territory of two isolated and uncontacted indigenous
tribes, the Nahua and Kugapakori. Researchers found the region to be
in a "nearly pristine condition," with little evidence of human
activity. With the project's start date rapidly approaching, now is
the time to take a stand for the Peruvian Amazon and its inhabitants.
Please do so at Rainforest Action Network’s web site at:
http://www.ran.org/info_center/aa/aa156_camisea.html
g.b.
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Title: Citi-backed Gas Project Threatens the Peruvian Amazon
Source: Copyright 2001 Rainforest Action Network,
http://www.ran.org/
Date: December 15, 2001
A remote region of the Peruvian Amazon may soon be the site of a $2.7
billion gas project. The Camisea project will be located in Peru's
Lower Urubamba Region, a biologically rich area that is home to
several uncontacted indigenous tribes. Construction on the project is
slated to begin in early 2002, with equipment expected to arrive in
the area at any time. The financial advisor for the Camisea project
is none other than Citigroup (Citi)-a notorious backer of destructive
oil and gas projects around the world.
According to a study by the Smithsonian Institution, the Camisea
project will affect one of the world's most biologically diverse
regions. The study found that the region houses more than 61
different plant species per acre, nearly 800 species of birds, 120
species of fish, 86 species of reptiles, 69 species of medium and
large mammals, 300 species of small mammals, and 600 species of
invertebrates. Researchers found the region to be in "nearly pristine
condition," with no evidence of human activity.
The Lower Urubamba Region is also home to the legally recognized
territory of two isolated and uncontacted indigenous tribes, the
Nahua and Kugapakori. Dozens of Machiguenga communities can be found
along rivers in the region. An initial Environmental Impact
Assessment report found that the project's socio-cultural impacts
could include loss of food resources, contamination of drinking
water, loss or damage to archeological sites, changes to existing
economic activity, and the spread of disease.
The project has already proven deadly for the Nahua. During
preliminary exploration in the Camisea region in the 1980s, Shell
exposed the Nahua to a whooping cough and influenza epidemic that
killed off an estimated 50 percent of the tribe's population. Shell
and Mobil, two original partners in Camisea, later withdrew from the
project after investing more than $250 million. The project has been
on hold since 1998, due in part to strong opposition from human
rights, environmental, and indigenous groups around the world.
What You Can Do:
As the financial advisor for the project, Citigroup has the important
role of arranging the project's financing. With the project's start
date rapidly approaching, now is the time to take a stand for the
Peruvian Amazon and its inhabitants. Please call on Citigroup to
immediately end its involvement in the Camisea project.
Please do so at:
http://www.ran.org/info_center/aa/aa156_camisea.html
See our website to send out other quick emails:
http://www.ran.org/action/alerts.html
Or, here's a sample letter to send yourself:
Mr. Sandy Weill
Chief Executive Officer
Citigroup Center
153 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10043
Email: chris.beale@citicorp.com
Dear Mr. Weill,
I am deeply concerned about Citigroup's involvement in the Camisea
project in Peru. According to a study by the Smithsonian Institution,
the Camisea project is located in one of the world's most
biologically diverse regions. The region is also home to the legally
recognized territory of two isolated and uncontacted indigenous
tribes, the Nahua and Kugapakori. A major gas development project in
such a culturally and environmentally sensitive area would have far-
reaching and potentially devastating consequences.
I urge you to show respect for the environment and indigenous rights
and by withdrawing from the Camisea Project immediately. Furthermore,
I ask that you help protect the global environment by replacing all
funding for fossil fuel projects with funding for sustainable energy.
Please let me know what action you plan to take on these important
issues.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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Rainforest Action Network
221 Pine Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104
tel: 415-398-4404
fax: 415-398-2732
URL: http://www.ran.org/
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