Peru's new gas system hailed as economic key, but some have doubts

Published: 2004-08-17

CAMISEA, Peru (CNS) -- A new system that will provide natural gas from Peru's southern jungle to domestic consumers as well as gas derivatives for export is being hailed as key to this impoverished Andean nation's economic future. But the production facilities and pipeline through the rain forest, as well as new oil drilling in indigenous territory near the border with Ecuador, have highlighted ongoing questions about development projects in fragile environments that are also home to indigenous people. "All projects like this must be done with respect for indigenous people's rights to their territory," said Adda Chueca, director of the Amazon Center for Anthropology and Practical Application, a nongovernmental organization founded in 1974 by the bishops of Peru's Amazon basin. The Camisea field, which contains 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 600 million cubic feet of gas liquids, lies under a vast tract of pristine rain forest in an area considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The project's developers have taken the necessary precautions, said Bishop Juan Larraneta Olleta of Puerto Maldonado, whose apostolic vicariate includes the Camisea project and surrounding communities of Machiguenga, Nahua and Nanti indigenous people. "The companies have had to abide by strict rules regarding care for the environment and protection of indigenous communities," said Bishop Larraneta. "The benefits for the native communities have also been fairly good."

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .