Peru: regional strike paralyzes south over gas exports —again

With banners reading “Defend the Rainforest” and “No Dams on Our Rivers,” indigenous followers of the Native Federation of the Rio Madre de Dios (FENAMAD) marched on the Peruvian jungle city of Puerto Maldonada July 28. As Peru celebrated its Independence Day, much of the southern regions of Cusco, Puno, Madre de Dios and Apurímac were paralyzed by a general strike to call a halt to the export of natural gas from the Camisea field in the rainforest of Cusco region, as well as construction of the Inambari hydro-electric plant. It is the second general strike in as many months to halt traffic and business in Peru’s Southern Macro-Region—and this time the strike has been declared open-ended.

Photo: FENAMAD

Brazil: indigenous protesters seize hydro-electric plant

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Peru moves to expel ecologist in wake of Amazon oil spill

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Peru: logging threat to uncontacted tribes

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Peru: oil spill fouls rainforest communities

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Peru: President García refuses to sign indigenous rights law

President Alan García refused to sign an historic new law to recognize Peru’s obligation to consult with indigenous peoples before proceeding with resource extraction projects that affect them.

Bolivia: government appeals to Amazon peoples not to march for autonomy

Bolivia’s Minister of Autonomy, Carlos Romero, appealed to the Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of the Oriente of Bolivia (CIDOB) to call off its cross-country march for territorial autonomy.

Peru: Amazon leader returns from asylum to slam French oil company

Upon his return from 11 months in political exile, Peruvian indigenous leader Alberto Pizango slammed oil company Perenco for denying the existence of uncontacted Amazon tribes.

Peru passes “prior consultation” law on indigenous peoples

After 16 years, Peru’s congress finally passed into law the rights enshrined in International Labor Organization Convention 169, which commits nations to protecting indigenous and tribal peoples.

Indigenous leader Alberto Pizango arrested on return to Peru

Alberto Pizango, exiled president of Peru’s national organization for Amazonian indigenous peoples, AIDESEP, was arrested at Lima’s airport as he returned from Nicaragua.

Peru: oil companies banned from uncontacted tribes’ reserve

A reserve for uncontacted tribes in the Peruvian Amazon has been made off-limits to oil and gas companies—but development plans are moving ahead on other lands inhabited by uncontacted peoples.

Peru: government talks with miners following deadly repression

Talks are underway in Lima between small-scale miners and Peru’s Ministry of Mines following deadly repression of a protest campaign by miners to demand land and prospecting rights.