Interviews available in English and Spanish upon request
What: Hundreds of indigenous people and supporters will form a gigantic “human banner” art work on the beach, creating an image symbolizing the important role of indigenous protection of the rainforest and natural resources. The image will include a tree morphing into the profile of an indigenous face and the words “Pueblos + Derechos = Bosques Vivos” (Peoples + Rights = Living Forests), surrounded by an intricate Shipibo design.
Photo and video will be taken from above using an octicopter-style drone. These images will be made available to press as soon thereafter as possible, for use with attribution.
When: Saturday, December 6th. Noon – 2:00pm.
Indigenous leader statements / press conference @ 1:00pm.
Where: Agua Dulce beach, Chorrillos municipality
On the beach in front of the huge Chorrillos sign along the coastal highway
Who: Indigenous peoples from the Amazon and around the world, including many Shipibo people from the urban settlement of Cantagallo. The event is associated with the COP20 Indigenous Pavilion and sponsoring indigenous organizations AIDESEP and COICA.
Background: The importance of the world’s indigenous peoples in the climate puzzle is increasingly evident. Not only are they some of the most affected communities, but they are also important leaders in the search for real and lasting solutions. In the context of the COP20 climate summit, indigenous peoples from Peru, the Amazon, and around the world are advocating for a rights-based approach to dealing with the climate crisis.
One key area (amongst many others) is that of indigenous-managed forests. The recent WRI / RRI report concluded that, “When indigenous peoples and local communities have no or weak legal rights, their forests tend to be vulnerable to deforestation and thus become a source of CO2 emissions.” Conversely, “Legal forest rights for communities and government protection of their rights tend to lower carbon dioxide emissions and deforestation.”
