Pablo Fajardo
Pablo Fajardo Mendoza (or Pablo Fajardo) is an Ecuadorian native of Cofán descent, who was raised in extreme poverty. With the help of the Roman Catholic Church,[1] he put himself through law school in the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. He was the lead lawyer against Chevron Corporation, representing thousands of natives in the Lago Agrio oil field, formerly developed by Texaco.
He won a CNN "Hero's award" in 2007,[2] and along with associate Luis Yanza, a Goldman Environmental Prize in 2008[3] In the wake of the latter prize Chevron launched an international publicity campaign accusing Fajardo of dishonesty and greed.[4]
He is featured in the 2009 documentary film Crude.
In 2012, the petroleum company Chevron-Texaco was condemned to pay 18 billion dollars of reparations[5] to the indigenous communities represented by Pablo Fajardo and affected by the company's activities.
External links
- Justicianow.org - documentary featuring Pablo Fajardo
- Pablo Fajardo and Luis Yanza, profile and video
- Discussion with Oakland high school students in Spanish - 20 minute Skpe discussion with students at Oakland Preparatory High School in California, 21 May 2012.
References
- ^ "Crude", film, 2007
- ^ "CNN Heroes – CNN's Global Search for Everyday People Changing the World". CNN. 2007.
- ^ Chris Kraul (April 13, 2008). "Amazon Activists win Goldman Environmental Prize". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross (April 13, 2008). "Prize Fight". San Francisco Chronicle.
- ^ http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2012/01/04/01003-20120104ARTFIG00565-equateur-chevron-condamne-a-verser-18-mds-de-dollars.php