PRESS RELEASE 22/04/2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amazon Canoe Challenge Changes Location of June 2023 Challenge in Support of Asháninka Protest.
Satipo, Peru – 22 April 2023 – Amazon Canoe Challenge regrets to announce that we have made the difficult decision to change the location of our upcoming Amazon Canoe Challenge in support of the closure of the region by the Asháninka communities in protest to demand more support and security from the state.
We were deeply saddened by the recent death of Santiago Contoricón, a community elder who was assassinated in Puerto Ocopa in response to his courageous stance to prevent narcotrafficking through the communities along the Tambo river. In response to his killing, the communities have closed access to the region in protest to demand increased support and security from the state. In solidarity with the Asháninka communities, we have decided to change the location of the challenge to another area to avoid escalating tensions and show our support for the protest.
We recognize the importance of supporting the local communities in their demands for more security and support from the state. We stand in solidarity demanding that the Asháninka communities receive the support for which they ask.
‘We want to talk. We want to have a conversation. We want to ask to ask for the advice from the minsters and president, what are the strategic plans for security for the indigenous communities in our region? We just want to have a conversation – Is this so difficult to ask? We want everyone to see what is happening here – Let them come and see the abandonment of the native communities by the state. We don’t have basic services. We don’t have what people have in Lima, or in the big cities, and on top of that, they kill our people. What else can we do but close to get them to pay attention? What else can we do? We want security and basic services for our families’. – Fabian Antúnez Camacho
We want to ensure that our guests have a safe and enjoyable experience while respecting the concerns of the local communities. As a result, we will move the June Amazon Canoe Challenge to a new location in Peru, whilst continuing to work closely with our Asháninka partners in the area for future challenges & expeditions.
We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this challenging situation.
For more information or enquiries, please contact Amazon Canoe Challenge at contact@amazoncanoechallenge.com.
Sincerely,
Amazon Canoe Challenge
