Ecuador

Environmental groups in Ecuador have raised concerns about a project to build a crude oil pipeline through Mindo ecological reserve. The area is an important habitat for birds. The groups have urged the country's energy ministry not to grant an environmental permit for the project to a seven-company consortium, called ocp Ecuador sa. The groups allege that the environmental impact study done by the consortium has technical and methodological loopholes. "We demand a more detailed study,' said Ricardo Moreno, executive director of Fundacion Natura, an environmental organisation.