The most outstanding natural feature of Sarayacu is the unmapped Lake Zone. Close to 100 lakes, dotting an area of 1000 sq. km., have a rich fauna including caimans and carnivorous fish species. For the people of Sarayacu, the lakes are fascinating, sacred living beings. This area is probably unique in all the world. (Source: Anders Siren, Swedish University of Agricultural Studies, unpublished paper)
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REQUESTED ACTION: Please write a polite letter to the new president of Ecuador. Send a copy of your letter to the CEO of ChevronTexaco.
* Congratulate him on his recent election and his promise to strengthen democracy and eliminate corruption.
* Urge him to cancel the CGC/ChevronTexaco contract for oil exploration within Sarayacu territory, Block 23, for these reasons:
· The Kichwa Tayja Saruta Sarayacu community firmly opposes oil development and has a right to self-determination.
· Oil development in Sarayacu risks devastating a region that is recognized worldwide for its remarkable biological diversity, its unique Lake Zone, and its habitat for critically endangered species like the Giant Otter.
· CGC/ChevronTexaco is employing bribes, disinformation, character defamation and false documents to create and then exploit conflicts among Sarayacu communities; this unethical corporate behavior must be stopped.
· Sarayacu has gained the support of Minister of Tourism Rocio Vasquez to declare Sarayacu territory a permanently protected tourism zone, to develop ecologically sustainable economic alternatives to oil.
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REQUESTED ACTION: Please write a polite letter to the new president of Ecuador. Send a copy of your letter to the CEO of ChevronTexaco.
* Congratulate him on his recent election and his promise to strengthen democracy and eliminate corruption.
* Urge him to cancel the CGC/ChevronTexaco contract for oil exploration within Sarayacu territory, Block 23, for these reasons:
· The Kichwa Tayja Saruta Sarayacu community firmly opposes oil development and has a right to self-determination.
· Oil development in Sarayacu risks devastating a region that is recognized worldwide for its remarkable biological diversity, its unique Lake Zone, and its habitat for critically endangered species like the Giant Otter.
· CGC/ChevronTexaco is employing bribes, disinformation, character defamation and false documents to create and then exploit conflicts among Sarayacu communities; this unethical corporate behavior must be stopped.
· Sarayacu has gained the support of Minister of Tourism Rocio Vasquez to declare Sarayacu territory a permanently protected tourism zone, to develop ecologically sustainable economic alternatives to oil.