Oil in the Oriente

Going into the trip, one of the locations that I anticipated the most was the trip to the rainforest or Oriente. I could not wait to learn more about the rainforest, and the problems associated with the industry present in the rainforest. After doing some research, I learned of the prevalence of oil companies in protected land and the effect of these production sites on the local indigenous populations, some of which are still living in voluntary isolation away from any civilization or industrialization. After flying into Coca, and taking a two and a half hour boat ride into the Amazon, followed by another two hour bus ride, I was shocked to be seemingly so far from civilization and development, and to see the development brought by the oil companies. Driving through the rainforest and passing oil wells and camps frequently was a disappointing sight. The company Repsol seemed to be everywhere, and appeared to develop all of the roads and infrastructure in the area. It was incredible to see the dirt and dust that surrounded the road and oil camps, along with the obvious deforestation and clearing of trees close to the road and the camps. I had heard of PetroEcuador going into the Amazon, but it was interesting to see a Spanish company that was primarily owned by Chinese with such a presence in the area. As we made it to the military checkpoint, everything was made by Repsol or developed by them. It is fascinating to consider the influence that such a large company could have over such sovereign matters as a military checkpoint. Even the guides in the Tiputini Field station wore shirts with Repsol stamped on the sleeve. Trans-national companies are clearly stretching to all corners of the world, and affecting everything they go near.  In an area as undeveloped and far removed from civilization as the Amazon area, that level of help certainly has the potential to bring support or at least less resistance. Knowing little about the company, it is difficult to know the reasons behind their assistance, whether it is for the good of the area or profit. Despite this, this is an example of the effect a company such as Repsol can have, and if they are well controlled, can provide much needed assistance to the people and to protecting the environment. Considering the importance of oil in Ecuador, and the volume found in the Oriente, it is unlikely that development will slow. This increases the necessity of green practices and efforts towards sustaining the Yasuni National Park and surrounding areas.