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Photo: Nathalie Weemaels

Action for Ecuador's Cloudforest

In opposition to the OCP oil pipeline, July, 2002
Julia Butterfly Hill recently visited Ecuador in solidarity with communities resisting the construction of a new oil pipeline through Ecuador's fragile tropical forests. After an extensive tour of the affected areas, her trip ended abruptly with her arrest and rapid deportation. Full coverage of these events is provided below; also see the photo gallery. And please take note of what you can do.

Julia framed her purpose in Ecuador in these terms:
"I come to Ecuador to stand in solidarity with people who stand against the absolute greed that imminently threatens the destruction of these priceless and diverse ecosystems. The annihilation of these critical forests and all their inhabitants for the laying of the oil pipeline and extraction of oil is morally, socially, culturally, and ecologically wrong. I and many others throughout the world are deeply committed to helping the Ecuadorian people stop this crime against humanity and the Earth."

Julia visited the Mindo community, who have recently staged a three month tree sit to halt construction--the first action of its kind in South America. With members of the Mindo community, Julia witnessed the destruction first-hand, and together they reoccupied the pipeline construction site.

Subsequently, Julia was arrested along with at least 7 other peaceful protestors outside the offices of the US oil company Occidental Petroleum in Quito on July 16. In the words of Ecuadorian president Gustavo Noboa, "The little gringos have been arrested, including the old cockatoo who climbs trees."

The protest had followed Occidental's cancellation of a planned meeting with Julia and community representatives. Julia Butterfly was deported from Ecuador soon thereafter, leading her to ask:

"Why is it that transnational oil companies can come to Ecuador, invade people's lands, ravage ecosystems, and be welcomed by the Ecuadorian government, and those who come to lend their solidarity to those impacted by these projects are mistreated and deported?"

What you can do

These actions are intended to draw attention to the financing of the OCP pipeline. You can help by writing to the lead financier, the German bank WestLB, to let them know you are outraged. For a sample letter and contact info, click here (Amazon Watch press release for New York action against WestLB, July 24, 2002) (pdf format, 42 KB). Also, go to www.amazonwatch.org (Note: follow the "Take action now" link at the bottom of their home page). [back to top]

Reports on Julia Butterfly's visit to Ecuador

"Julia Butterfly in Ecuador jail after oil protest," San Francisco Chronicle article, July 18, 2002.

Amazon Watch provided extensive coverage of the solidarity action in Ecuador. We encourage you to visit their site for further details on this campaign. Amazon Watch's press releases are reproduced here:

Press conference in Los Angeles, 7/19/2002.

Julia Butterfly's return to the United States, 7/18/2002.

Julia Butterfly's deportation from Ecuador, 7/18/2002.

Julia Butterfly in jail in Ecuador, 7/17/2002.

Julia Butterfly arrested in Ecuador, 7/16/2002

Re-occupation of the cloudforest construction site, 7/15/2002 (pdf format, 44 KB).

Oil pipeline issues motivating Julia Butterfly's visit to Ecuador, 7/9/2002 (pdf format, 40 KB).

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Images

Photographs of Julia Butterfly's arrest

See an intriguing photo essay of Julia's visit to Ecuador, created by Kirsten Michel.