(University of Oregon, 2009-12) Lu, Graciela Maria Mercedes
Economic models applied in Latin America tend to prioritize economic growth
heavily based on extractive industries and a power distribution model that affects social
equity and respect for human rights.
This thesis advances our understanding of the social, political and environmental
concerns that influenced the formation of a movement among the Achuar people, in
response to oil exploitation activities in the Peruvian Amazon. This study is based on a
political ecology analysis and a review of existing literature on local and global relations
of environmental issues. The Corrientes River case reveals how Amazonian indigenous
people gained competence to demand recognition of their collective rights to health and
citizenship. The Achuar people's mobilization was a result of frustration of sterile
dialogue with the authorities, the oil companies, and the pressure exerted by local people on their leaders. This mobilization resulted in an agreement that otherwise would likely
not have been reached.
