xiii, 84 p. : maps. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / Economic models applied in Latin America tend to prioritize economic growth heavily based on extractive industries and a power distribution model that affects social equity and respect for human rights. This thesis advances our understanding of the social, political and environmental concerns that influenced the formation of a movement among the Achuar people, in response to oil exploitation activities in the Peruvian Amazon. This study is based on a political ecology analysis and a review of existing literature on local and global relations of environmental issues. The Corrientes River case reveals how Amazonian indigenous people gained competence to demand recognition of their collective rights to health and citizenship. The Achuar people's mobilization was a result of frustration of sterile dialogue with the authorities, the oil companies, and the pressure exerted by local people on their leaders. This mobilization resulted in an agreement that otherwise would likely not have been reached. / Committee in Charge: Derrick Hindery, Chair; Anita M. Weiss; Carlos Aguirre