Repsol-YPF has a contract to drill for oil on land inhabited by uncontacted tribes in northern Peru.
There are at least two uncontacted tribes in the region, although their identity is not clear.
One may be the Taromenane, a sub-group of the well-known Waorani, and another is known as the ‘Pananujuri’.
Repsol’s work poses a real threat to the tribes because of their lack of immunity to outsiders’ diseases. Any form of contact with them can be fatal.
Despite this, Repsol has recommended its workers ‘try communicating’ with the tribes if they see them.
These recommendations include shouting at them through megaphones, ‘drawing on the ground’, and explaining to them that it is ‘not the company’s intention to interfere with their activities.’
Needless to say, exploring for oil inside their territory constitutes an unavoidable ‘interference in their activities’
Repsol website
‘Peru criticized over Repsol in tribal area’ – Reuters
‘Peru project said to threaten indigenous people’ – Latin American Herald Tribune
Uncontacted Indians: report exposes ‘untold story’ of Repsol’s exploration
Uncontacted tribes of Peru
News: Oil company blocked over uncontacted tribes
Uncontacted Tribes campaign