In an effort to build consensus and promote dialogue in the country, Iquitos hosted the third meeting of the initiative ‘Weaving Citizenship: Encounters for Peru’.
The event brought together representatives of the public and private sectors and civil organizations to discuss and propose solutions to the problems faced by the Amazonwith a special emphasis on the fight against crime, the protection of the environment and the defense of the rights of indigenous communities.
Indigenous participation as a key piece
Ángela Acevedo, former vice minister of Interculturality, highlighted the need for public policies that include indigenous communities. “Many conflicts arise because agreements are not fulfilled, or these are very general and are not understood correctly. For this reason we need authorities with the capacity for dialogue, listening and empathy that integrate the perspective of indigenous peoples,” he added.
For his part, Miguel Manihuari, representative of the Regional Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the East, emphasized the lack of dialogue with the communities as the origin of many conflicts. “In indigenous communities we want development projects and to be part of government decisions. There is oil activity that is not managed correctly and has negative impacts when not managed correctly. “How will we face this if they don’t consider us?” he said.
Along these lines, Sonia Lou, Environmental Management Manager at PetroTal Perú, stressed the importance of companies having a social commitment to indigenous communities.
During the session, the participation of the attendees was essential. Thus, Hernán Quiroz, from the Las Palmeras Community Coalition, suggested the implementation of political training in the communities to encourage indigenous representation. While Irene Pinedo, president of the Regional Organization of the Native Peoples of the Loreto Region, highlighted the need for the authorities to involve them in their decisions. “We must promote the progress of indigenous peoples, but the government does not do so, on the contrary, it is concessioning territories that belong to us,” he said.
