OIL IN THE AMAZON

Oil is found throughout the Amazon, from Ecuador to Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Brazil, whose profits from exploitation have been the primary source of income in most of these countries. It has undoubtedly benefited most of the population, but the negative impacts on the environment and communities are devastating and challenging to quantify.


WATER AND THE LOCAL PEOPLE


The Ecuadorian Amazon, in the region known as Alto Napo, has an average annual rainfall of 3600 mm. This allows the Amazonian people who live in the forest to collect rainwater in tanks or get it from the streams, while the ones living on the river banks take the water directly for all their needs.
However, in the dry season, when it has not rained for over a week, by the time the streams dry up, everyone has to go to the big river to bathe, wash their clothes, swim, and collect water for cooking and drinking. 


OIL AND HEAVY METALS


Oil is made up of hydrocarbons and several toxic metals, mainly mercury. Once ingested with food, mercury causes general poisoning, which can lead to death in high doses. Lead affects the kidneys and the central nervous system, causing loss of appetite, anemia, paralysis, and headaches. In contrast, vanadium affects bone calcification, inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis, and causes cardiovascular changes. Inhaled asbestos fibers cause stomach and liver cancer.

COMMUNITIES VS. OIL EXTRACTION

Many Indigenous communities have succumbed to the temptation of easy money from oil companies to obtain exploitation permits in community territory. The proposal is usually in the millions of dollars that are distributed among the members, who will spend the money quickly to finally return to their non-sustainable reality, but this time with their land, air, and water polluted and with serious risks of acquiring chronic diseases.

SANI LODGE SUSTAINABLE PROPOSAL

The Sani Isla community, which owns Sani Lodge, is committed to ecotourism rather than unsustainable practices such as oil extraction. The lodge provides work for most of the families, while others grow organic products for the lodge. The women boost the economy by making handicrafts to sell and teaching the Kichwa culture to guests. They share a gift with humanity by conserving 42,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest, the planet’s climate regulator.

Thanks to our thousands of visitors, the oil has remained underground in Sani’s territory. Word of mouth from our guests is key to us, proving that a jungle trip to pristine forests can change lives while helping to protect the planet.

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Sani Lodge
In our trips, you have the opportunity to explore untouched forests, understand the intrinsic relationships among plants and animals, search for stunning flora and fauna and learn from ancient cultures: the true treasures of the Amazon Rainforest. When you stay with us, you become part of our extended community where we share and teach you about our environment and culture. At Sani Lodge, you are not only choosing an amazing adventure, but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in our Amazon Kichwa lifestyle. Come and join us, support our indigenous community and the Rainforest conservation that you will love to call it home.

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