U.S. energy giants Enron and Shell and the Bolivian consortium Transredes are building a 243-mile pipeline from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to Cuiaba, Brazil. The companies are digging through the Chiquitano dry forest, considered one of the Earth's most sensitive eco-regions, and the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, one of the world's richest wildlife habitats. Friends of the Earth, Amazon Watch and other groups are seeking a congressional investigation into the agency's handling of the project.
Scientists say it is the last large and intact tropical dry forest in the world.
Enron, Shell, Transredes and the OPIC rejected the environmentalists' request that they reroute the pipeline around the forest, saying the area crossed by the pipeline is not a primary forest. This is the most feasible route. Recipients should seek permission to reprint the article from the source listed above. Reading on line, downloading or other use of this information signifies acceptance of these conditions, and the Full Disclaimer.