Geneva, Switzerland – Ecuadorian indigenous villagers who braved death threats in their battle with Chevron have teamed up with a leading international organization to demand that the United Nations block the oil giant from continuing an intimidation campaign targeting the human rights advocates who obtained a legally-binding $10 billion...
All: 2016
Honoring the Legacy of Terry Turner
Terry's incisive ethnographic work with the Kayapo people, and his longstanding advocacy on behalf of their culture, forests, and rivers, earned him unique respect and admiration from Kayapo leadership, who called him 'Wakampu'.
Ecuador to Sign Contracts for Two Controversial Amazonian Oil Blocks
Quito, Ecuador – The Ecuadorian government has announced imminent plans to sign contracts for two controversial Amazonian oil blocks which are facing adamant opposition from local indigenous people residing within the roughly half-a-million acre concessions and beyond.
Belo Monte Dam Operations Delayed by Brazil Court Ruling on Indigenous People
"This case sets an important precedent for the defence of indigenous rights in the Amazon at a time when the government is set to repeat the Belo Monte disaster by building dozens of dams on the Tapajós River."
Brazil Court Suspends Amazon Hydrodam Licence on Native Demands
A Brazilian court has suspended the operating licence for the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam, one of the world's largest, just weeks before its owner, Norte Energia, planned to start electricity generation.
Amazon Watch is building on more than 25 years of radical and effective solidarity with Indigenous peoples across the Amazon Basin.
Jiyukam Presente! Homage to a Peaceful Warrior
A wave of sadness has surged forth from the Amazon rainforest, washing over many who have supported indigenous rights in Peru. Yesterday we learned that the long-time Achuar leader Jiyukam Lucas Irar Miik had drown in the Pastaza River, as he returned to his home community of Puerto Rubina. As reported by his son, his boat hit a log and capsized...
Hydropower Dams Threaten One-Third of the World’s Freshwater Fish
Brazil's massive Belo Monte dam, which is due to be completed this year, "may set a record for biodiversity loss" owing to its siting at a location with an exceptional number of endemic species.
IACHR Opens Case Against Brazil for Human Rights Violations Related to Belo Monte Dam
Washington, DC – As the first reservoirs of the Belo Monte Dam are being filled, the Brazilian government is coming under fire from international organizations. On December 21, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights opened a case against Brazil, which was challenged by affected communities represented by the Interamerican Association...
In Brazil, 2016 Announces New Conflicts and Challenges for the Amazon
2015 could only be defined as a bad year for Brazil. Economic meltdown, political crisis, social adversity, and environmental destruction defined the last twelve months. Yet rather than striking out in new directions as 2015 drew to a close, the Brazilian government was doubled down on its failing socio-economic model, ushering in a new wave of...
In 2016, Chevron Faces Potential "Litigation Catastrophe" Over Ecuador Pollution Liability
New York, NY – In 2016, Chevron faces a potential litigation catastrophe over its $10 billion "Amazon Chernobyl" pollution liability as rainforest villagers step up efforts to force company assets into receivership to pay for a court-ordered clean-up of what experts consider to be one of the worst oil-related environmental disasters in history.
