tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942478546968158905.post6422763602809612956..comments2024-03-24T11:22:15.548+00:00Comments on Lustig's Letter: A letter from PeruRobin Lustighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00578195216460807588noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6942478546968158905.post-79385294303953765062013-11-12T12:42:28.441+00:002013-11-12T12:42:28.441+00:00I'd have to counter your argument that Peru is...I'd have to counter your argument that Peru is on its way to a sustainable development path. There is very little evidence of this. In fact, quite the contrary. Extractive industries still account for three-quarters of exports, 80% of the Peruvian amazon is under oil, gas or mining concessions and currently 175 active social conflicts are being monitored by the human rights ombudsman. The majority of these conflicts are taking place precisely because local communities have been shut out from decision-making over Peru's development path (socio-environmental causes account for most demonstrations against the government's commodities-led development policy). Peru saw its biggest street protests in years a few months ago because of corruption concerns. As for diversifying its trade partners... China has just bought the Brazilian oil company Petrobras’ vast Peruvian concessions and now owns a third of Peru’s mines. In short, Peru is a long, long way from making even rudimentary reforms to include all social classes, respect for the environment and human rights and a sustainable local-led economy in the country's future development. Billy Kytenoreply@blogger.com