Wampis Leaders from Peru Urge UK to Ban Bank Financing of Oil Damage
In a significant move, Indigenous leaders from the Wampis Nation in Peru have traveled to the UK, urging lawmakers to ban financial support from international banks for oil activities that endanger their ancestral rainforests. Highlighting a decade of environmental damage from spills associated with the state-run Petroperu, they advocate for accountability from banks like HSBC and others involved in this financial backing, along with broader protections for Indigenous rights.
Indigenous leaders from Peru’s Wampis Nation have traveled to the United Kingdom to advocate for a ban on international bank investments in oil activities that jeopardize their ancestral lands. During their visit, they addressed concerns over the detrimental impacts of oil extraction, particularly from state-owned Petroperu, and highlighted instances of pollution affecting their fishing waters and ecological health. The leaders emphasize the historical stewardship of their forests, which has lasted over 7,000 years, and the alarming frequency of oil spills along the pipelines running through their territory.
Banks such as HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, and Santander have been implicated in financing efforts to upgrade Petroperu’s coastal refinery, which is associated with ongoing ecological damage, with 89 reported leaks from the pipelines over the past decade. Despite assurances from these banks regarding their commitment to Indigenous rights and environmental regulations, the Wampis leaders are pressing for accountability and a stop to financial support that contributes to environmental degradation.
Furthermore, the leaders have raised issues over illegal logging and mining activities within their lands and encouraged discussions with UK lawmakers about proposed legislation that would hold British businesses accountable for environmental harm and human rights abuses outside the UK. Their advocacy also extends to collaborating with other delegations from Latin America addressing similar concerns about corporate malfeasance.
The Wampis Nation is an Indigenous group residing in the northern Amazon rainforest of Peru, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. In recent years, their lands have faced significant threats from oil operations, illegal mining, and logging, prompting the Wampis to assert autonomy for environmental protection. As part of a broader movement, they are seeking to engage international stakeholders, including banks financing environmentally harmful activities, to enforce stricter regulations and promote sustainable development that honors Indigenous rights and conserves vital ecosystems.
The visit of the Wampis leaders to the UK underscores the urgent need for accountability in international banking practices that fund environmentally destructive activities. Their call for a ban on support for oil operations reflects a broader Indigenous movement advocating for environmental justice and corporate responsibility. By bringing their plight to an international audience, the Wampis aim to fortify advocacy for sustainable practices that respect their ancestral lands and cultural heritage.
Original Source: apnews.com
