Support Shipibo-Konibo Change Makers

First of all I would like to thank you for your support of this new program which Alianza Arkana is launching in the Ucayali region of the Peruvian Amazon, where we are seeing many threats to the environment and the traditional indigenous ways of life due to the activity of large-scale extractive industries, notably oil and gas companies, mining, logging and palm oil cultivation.

In these last months, we have been researching the current issues facing Shipibo communities by talking with with local and regional political organizations. Many oil and gas companies have now temporarily suspended activities due to the low price of crude oil. However, in many communities they are poised to restart operations so the same need still exists to inform communities of their rights in relation to the activities of these companies, as we have previously done (see  our blog)

The major new threat emerging is the activity of palm oil cultivation. For a good account of what has been happening in one Shipibo community, see this press release from Forest Peoples Program. The attached photo from another good article about this recent development shows the results of deforestation caused by this activity.

We are delighted that we have found someone - Thomas Younger - to head up this new program. Thomas is very experienced in this area and previously worked at Life Mosaic, an organization based in Scotland, supporting indigenous peoples to defend their rights, territories and culture.

Thomas will be starting with us in early February. We look forward to continue to inform you of the progres of this area of our work.