Sani Isla community blog

We are the Kichwa community of Sani Isla in the Ecuadorean Amazon. We live in some of the most biologically diverse rainforest in the world.

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More great coverage on the BBC.  This time Mari and Patricio talk to Rajan Datar on his Fast Track show about Sani Lodge, the people of Sani Isla and the community's struggle to preserve the rainforest.  To watch the video click here.  Sorry if this doesn't work outside the UK. 

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Possibly the cutest furry inhabitants of Sani Isla.

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More coverage on Patricio and Mari on the BBC in England

Wedding Day Kichwa Style

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Patricio and Mari on the bbc

The British woman whose life was changed for ever after a holiday in Ecuador.

Nice piece on Patricio, Mari and the eco lodge.  Behind the human interest story there is a serious message about how important Sani-lodge is to the future of the Sani Isla people and lands.  One of the best ways to help the Sani Isla people and their pristine rainforest habitat is to visit.  So please come to Sani Lodge yourself or share the link to promote it.  Not only will you get to experience pristine Amazon rainforest habitat at close quarters you could also be part of saving it from oil development.

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Una mancha de petróleo de aproximadamente 25 kilómetros se extiende en estos momentos por el río Coca. A la altura de Puerto Francisco de Orellana, este se une

More sad news for the animals, plants and people of the Rio Napo region. Imagine if this happened in London, or New York let alone a pristine Amazonian wilderness.

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Excellent piece on NBC's Today program on the conflict brought by unwanted oil development in our region.  It features Patricio as well as members of the Wauroni tribe.  There is also a worrying interview with Ecuador's vice president.

Apologies if you get ads running in front of it.  At the time of posting there was a 30 second ad for Shell oil saying how green they are!  If you'd like to find out more about our struggle see the links on the left or email [email protected].

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We are looking for more volunteers.  If you'd like to help us in any way see the 'how you can help' section on the left or email directly to [email protected].  Meanwhile thanks to Georgina who was with us last year.  She has written this kind message of support. 

"Sitting in my bedroom on a grey day in the north of England, it’s hard to imagine that this time last year I was living in the depths of the Amazon Rainforest. I spent 6 months living in Sani, teaching English to both children and adults in the community. It seems a world away now. Sometimes I hear a phone ring, and I think it’s the call of a bird. And I still check my wellington boots for spiders before I put them on. The memories I have of Sani will never leave me and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this world. I feel very sad to hear of how this unique habitat and way of life is now being threatened by PetroAmazonas. I would often see people from the oil companies arrive in Sani – they would stick out like a sore thumb in their uniforms and hard hats. Now their presence poses a very real and immediate risk to the future of Sani. I hope that one day I will get the chance to visit Sani again, eat plantain, drink chicha, talk to old friends and walk through the forest. But I fear that things may change beyond recognition. Sani, with its people and wildlife, is completely and fantastically unique. I just hope the people get the support they need to fight their fight. Georgina"

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Great shot of the black water lagoon at Sani Lodge from one of our visitors

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Last weekend there was a tourism fair in coca and the Sani women made a stand with the help of Liz Nadrade the new coordinator. Everyone helped including one of the Sani menfolk, Edwin and it was a great success. The Sani stand even won first prize for content and presentation. We hope you like the products they make and if you would like to buy any please write to us at [email protected]

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Amazing feature on Sani on NBC news in the US this week.  You can also link to it here.  More to follow.

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Channel 4 News in the UK covers our struggle.

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A petition that urges our president, Rafael Correa Delgado, to uphold Ecuador's inspiring constitution has gained over a million signatures.  An amazing show of international support as we seek to protect the pristine rainforest habitat of Sani Isla and with it the future of the indigenous people that live here. 07/02/13.

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Sometimes the commercial pressures to take oil from the Amazon seem overwhelming whatever the consequences for the forest and its indigenous people.

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What we have on the Yasuní's land is far more than we have underground.

Head of the negotiating committee of the Yasuní-ITT, Ivonne Baki, quoted in the Guardian newspaper.  Sani Isla land overlaps with Yasuni national park but is still under threat.  Important as it is, the Yasuni-ITT initiative can't be the only answer for this region of the Amazon and the people who live here.

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A few weeks ago Ann Curry from NBC came to cover our story. This is Patricio being interviewed by her at Sani Lodge.  There should be a piece broadcast on TV in the US this Friday 22nd March.  Will post updates and links as we have them.

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Some recent shots of wildlife from lodge visitors.