Name Luis Yanza | ||
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2008 goldman environmental prize ceremony pablo fajardo luis yanza speech
Luis Yanza (born 1962 in Gualaceo) is an environmental activist from Ecuador, of Cofán descent. He serves as president of the Frente de Defensa de la Amazonia (Amazon Defense Front), an NGO representing the interests of the campesinos and indigenous peoples in Ecuador.
Contents
- 2008 goldman environmental prize ceremony pablo fajardo luis yanza speech
- Luis yanza habla sobre su relaci n con el presidente rafael correa
- Honors
- Legal action
- References
Luis yanza habla sobre su relaci n con el presidente rafael correa
Honors
Yanza received the Goldman Environment Prize in 2008, along with Pablo Fajardo Mendoza. The two have been organizing indigenous communities in Ecuador to fight against international oil companies, in order to clean up devastated areas in the Ecuadorian jungle, which has become polluted from years of oil production.
Yanza and Fajardo's publication of the environmental effects from oil production has led to stronger environmental protection laws in Ecuador.
Legal action
As president of the Frente de Defensa de la Amazonia, Yanza has spearheaded the multibillion-dollar class action lawsuit against Chevron-Texaco for its environmental damage in Ecuador. "This trial is not about accidental damages. We´re talking about harm to people and the environment that was done in a deliberate manner," says Yanza. The Ecuadorian courts ruled in against Chevron; however, Chevron is attempting to counter-sue Yanza, Fajardo, and their New York-based lawyer, Steven Donziger.