March 2012. Peru's largest protected area is on the verge of being invaded by a road, which threatens to destroy the lives of thousands of indigenous people. The proposed project would cut through two indigenous reserves and a national park, exposing thousands of Indians to the risks of drug trafficking, illegal logging and unwanted contact.
It would also place some of the world's last uncontacted tribes, who live in the government-protected area, in direct and immediate danger. Politicians are now debating the issue, which supporters say will open up for economic 'development' parts of the Amazon that are currently isolated.
Wildlife in danger
It is well documented that roads though any wilderness area inevitably lead to the degradation of the habitat, not just due to the road building, but mostly from the effect of opening up the area to hunters and poachers.
Fr. Miguel Piovesan, a Catholic priest from the small town of Puerto Esperanza is at the forefront of the project. He wants his town, which borders west Brazil, to have better transport links to the town of Iñapari, which lies further south. However, indigenous organizations in the region are against the plans, and calls are growing for Peru's Congress to investigate the priest's motives.
Of the 3,200 people inside the protected area, 80 per cent are indigenous.
It is well documented that roads though any wilderness area inevitably lead to the degradation of the habitat, not just due to the road building, but mostly from the effect of opening up the area to hunters and poachers.
Fr. Miguel Piovesan, a Catholic priest from the small town of Puerto Esperanza is at the forefront of the project. He wants his town, which borders west Brazil, to have better transport links to the town of Iñapari, which lies further south. However, indigenous organizations in the region are against the plans, and calls are growing for Peru's Congress to investigate the priest's motives.
Of the 3,200 people inside the protected area, 80 per cent are indigenous.
Thanks to Survival International for most of this information
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