Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Maxus and the Huaoranis

Freeman, R. Edward...

Case

Maxus and the Huaoranis

Freeman, R. Edward; Radin, Tara J.; Harris, Geoff

E-0095 | Published March 15, 1996 | 6 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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This case focuses on the conflict between industrial growth and environmental protection. Although Conoco contracted with Ecuador's state-run oil corporation to drill for oil in a sector of the Ecuadorian rainforest estimated to have oil reserves in excess of 200 million barrels, the company confronted intense opposition from environmental protection groups, who were aiming to uphold the sector's designation by UNESCO as a world ecological reserve, and from the Huaoranis, who were indigenous to the area. This case explores the political, social, economic, cultural, legal, and environmental pressures that influenced Conoco's decision-making process.