The traditional home and hunting grounds of the Huaorani rainforest people have been in the Napo area for millennia. In the past few years, however, their land and lifestyle have been damaged and mightily disturbed by the petrochemical and tourist industries. The Huaorani reacted by imposing tolls for the use of their rivers, and entrance fees to their communities, most of which are now part of the Huaorani Reserve south of Coca. Sometimes they demand gifts, which oil companies usually pay because it helps them in obtain concessions.

Travelers who want to visit the Huaoranis, and are sensitive to their situation should read the excellent and highly-recommended book, Savages by Joe Kane. One quote from the Huaorani Moi Enomenga sums up their position: "We do not want to be civilized by your missionaries or killed by your oil companies. Must the jaguar die so that you can have more contamination and television?" But there are many more.

|Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton|||