For Immediate Release Media contact: The Field Museum Greg Borzo 312/665-7106 gborzo@fieldmuseum.org Indigenous rights Kimerling's investigation of Amazonian oil field standards and practices, which more recently has focused on Occidental Petroleum in Ecuador, was informed by speaking directly with indigenous organizations and communities. This approach has proven to be very successful, not only in providing her with hard evidence of the environmental ruin taking place, but also in arming her to advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples. As such, Kimerling has helped to give indigenous peoples in Amazonia a voice in decisions regarding land use and environmental conservation. But there is still much work to be done. "As long as oil companies can have land expropriated, and the host country is willing to do this at a company's request, there will never be equitable bargaining power between the indigenous peoples and the oil companies," Kimerling said. "The process eviscerates indigenous rights and reduces indigenous participation to beads and trinkets." Many oil companies now say that they have changed, that they apply international standards and best practices to protect the environment. Clearly, voluntary initiatives are needed to improve environmental performance, Kimerling explained. "Nevertheless, they are not a panacea that can replace the need for environmental regulation. In order to be effective, voluntary standards need to be clear and transparent, and their effectiveness independently verified with community involvement in the light of day." Although some progress has been made in the past several years, it remains to be seen whether the rule of law in the oil fields of Amazonia is going to be an instrument of justice or a tool of domination, according to Kimerling. "Until the international community decides to get serious about regulating and monitoring international corporations—and supporting indigenous peoples who are asserting their rights—these kinds of problems are going to continue." The Parker/Gentry Award was established in 1996 by an anonymous donor. It honors an outstanding individual, team or organization in the field of conservation biology whose efforts have had a significant impact on preserving the world's rich natural heritage—and whose actions and approach can serve as a model to others. The Award bears the names of the late Theodore A. Parker III and Alwyn Gentry, both ardent conservationists and leading naturalists. Parker, an ornithologist, and Gentry, a botanist, died on August 3, 1993, while surveying hill forests in western Ecuador. The pair worked closely with Field Museum scientists on several joint efforts, including rapid inventories for conservation. For more information, visit www.fieldmuseum.org/parkergentry. The award will be granted during a private ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at The Field Museum. Journalists are welcome to attend (business attire), but must register in advance. <<Return to the Press Room