Indigenous leaders, directly affected by the Ecuador and Andes Petroleum contract, held a January 28

Indigenous leaders, directly affected by the Ecuador and Andes Petroleum contract, held a January 28 press conference in Quito. They declared the government's consultation process illegal and illegitimate, rejecting oil exploration in blocks 79 and 83, and further development in the South-Central region. More details are available on the Pachamama website and their YouTube channel.

Manari Shigua of the Sápara people testified that UNESCO's designation of Sápara culture as "Oral heritage of humanity" implies all resources in their territory are world heritage. He asserted the Ecuadorian government must consult the world before exploiting these resources, especially those opposed by the people.

Manari Ushinga of the Sápara people in Ecuador shares his community's perspective on the natural world, interconnectedness, and the critical importance of leaving the oil beneath the Ecuadorian

Manari Ushinga of the Sápara people in Ecuador shares his community's perspective on the natural world, interconnectedness, and the critical importance of leaving the oil beneath the Ecuadorian Amazon untouched.

This content was published on April 15, 2014, by the Pachamama Alliance.

Manari is a Sapara ceremonial leader and healing man, specializing in medicinal plants like natural tobacco. Through dream interpretation and spiritual connections, he offers natural, non-invasive

Manari is a Sapara ceremonial leader and healing man, specializing in medicinal plants like natural tobacco. Through dream interpretation and spiritual connections, he offers natural, non-invasive cures for modern ailments, encouraging a rediscovery of our bond with nature.

As an indigenous rights advocate, Manari has successfully halted drilling efforts in his native territory and defended the Sapara community's rights at international human rights courts and the United Nations. He also manages NAKU, a communitarian enterprise providing ecotourism, healing alternatives, and natural medicine research rooted in indigenous cultural heritage. This talk was given at a TEDx event, independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.