Management of Environmental, Social, and Health Issues Involving Indigenous Communities at the Villano Project in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region

Abstract

Summary As one of the leading oil and gas companies in the world, Eni has always operated with full respect for the culture, society, and environment of each country in which it works. Through the work of its affiliate companies, the Eni Group pursues an active policy of involvement and cooperation that aims at contributing to the overall socioeconomic well-being of the communities with which it interacts. In Ecuador, Eni's affiliate, Agip Oil Ecuador B.V. (AOE), is the operator of Block 10 in the Ecuadorian Amazon region and is faced with a number of critical environmental, social, and health issues involving indigenous communities. Most of these communities belong to the Quichua ethnic group with other groups, like the Huaorani and Shuar-Ashuar, also represented. AOE's health programs cover more than 6,000 people, involving some 3,000 colonists. The program is now in full development since its original inception more than 2 years ago (1999). It aims at protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for the inhabitants of more than 24 indigenous communities by providing primary health care. AOE has a comprehensive environmental-protection program as well as social and health programs. Agip is involved in disease prevention and control, health education, basic sanitation and safe water distribution, vaccination, nutrition, maternal and child care, treatment of common disease and injuries, access to essential medicines, and emergency medical evacuation. In addition, a new program is now being implemented to preserve the local tradition of natural medicine. AOE's program is supported by the local branch of the Ministry of Health and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), such INNFA (Inst. Nacional del Niño y la Familia) and SNEN (The Natl. Malaria Eradication Inst.). As a result, this program has successfully reduced the morbidity and mortality rate in the region. At the same time, it protects the delicate environment of the Amazon region surrounding Block 10 and its area of influence, always respecting the culture and traditions of the people.