Environmental Sustainability on the Rio Aguarico.

Bethany Hoye & Andrew Glover

June 2006

External Disturbance

A large proportion of the water flowing down the Aguarico past these communities falls as rain on sites of oil extraction and/or palm plantation. All communities commented on the deterioration of water quality in the river, most attributing this to the petroleum companies alone. Both petroleum exploration and the palm plantations have resulted in extensive land clearing and inherent increases in the sediment load, and changes to flow dynamics of the river. The river has also been repeatedly contaminated through leaks and spills associated with petroleum extraction and pipelines. We feel that it is important for these communities to be encouraged to take an active stance on these issues wherever possible. However, it is just as important for communities to recognise, and take responsibility for their role in the degradation of the environment.