The Clean Up Ecuador campaign is crucial because Chevron continues its drastic measures to avoid facing justice in a court of law. Chevron pays consultants to produce deceptive scientific studies, attempts to employ political and economic pressure to force Ecuador’s government to intervene in the case, and attacks the credibility of the court and plaintiffs’ lawyers (whom it calls “con artists”). Most disturbingly, plaintiffs' lawyers and supporters in Ecuador have been subject to a pattern of intimidation, burglaries and death threats, which Chevron has refused to condemn.

Chevron is the second-largest US oil company, and its deep pockets and considerable political clout mean there is a very real threat that it will succeed in making an end run around justice. Amazon Watch applies grassroots tactics to keep the company's misdeeds in the spotlight, ensuring that 30,000 Ecuadorians can have their day in court.

As the trial in Ecuador reaches its final stages, Chevron management finds itself increasingly desperate. A victory for the plaintiffs would set a historic precedent that would reverberate throughout the oil industry, and our campaign has helped keep these momentous events right where Chevron doesn't want them: in the public eye. In the wake of a record $27 billion damages assessment by the court-appointed expert in 2008, we helped get news of the case into publications including Newsweek and the Los Angeles Times. Also in April of 2008, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, Pablo Fajardo, and community leader Luis Yanza were awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for their efforts to bring Chevron to justice.

Follow the links below to learn more about our efforts and some of our most noteworthy successes. Visit the "Take Action" section to learn how you can get involved in the fight for justice for the Ecuadorian Amazon!