It has been a groundbreaking and historic year in our work to protect and defend the Amazon. 2019 saw the devastation of the deforestation fires, which in turn brought a groundswell of support in defense of the Amazon. On the heels of this historic tragedy, and overwhelming support, we increased capacity and responded with renewed vigor in the knowledge that Amazon Watch’s mission is more critical than ever. In 2020, Amazon Watch responded to the COVID-19 emergency in Indigenous communities in the Amazon, and officially launched its Women Defenders program, supporting holistic, political and leadership programs for Indigenous women across the Amazon. This year we reached our 25 year milestone, and I am so proud of the work we have accomplished together in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and allies committed to corporate accountability and climate justice. Together, we are building a global movement to permanently protect the Amazon from increasing threats and multiple crises and we are generating widespread support for Indigenous-led solutions.
The Amazon is at a tipping point. It is not near, it’s here. To reverse/halt this tipping point requires real commitments from governments and corporations to stop deforestation, exit Amazon oil and gas, and put an end to attacks against Indigenous and forest peoples defending lives, rights, and territories. This requires supporting calls for the demarcation and recognition of Indigenous ancestral territories.
In 2021, Amazon Watch released our landmark 2021-2025 strategic plan committing to advance and amplify Indigenous rights, resistance, and solutions to protect and defend the Amazon basin; denounce false solutions, including carbon offsets; elevate Indigenous women’s voices; develop and implement rapid response protocols and campaigns to defend earth defenders of the Amazon, and to redirect $1.5 million+ per year in solidarity and emergency rapid response funds via our Amazon Defenders Fund. We also commit to practice and actively work for decolonization, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, internally and externally. It is our intention to fulfill our mission over the next five years, with well thought through and resourced expansion to meet the current crises.
With a growing U.S.-based and international team in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador, we will expand regional and international advocacy and communication campaigns to halt and hold accountable the global drivers of Amazon destruction, including governments, corporations, extractive industries – such as fossil fuel and agribusiness – and their financial backers. We will expose investors of Amazon destruction and dissuade them from investing in agribusiness, mining, and Amazon crude. And, we will work in collaboration with regional and international allies to build a pan-Amazon and global movement to act for the Amazon, Indigenous rights, and climate justice. Thank you for standing with us during this critical and transformative time for the Amazon, our climate, and all of humanity.
With deep gratitude for your support,
Leila Salazar-López
Executive Director
