Dear friends, family, and community –
I wanted to take a moment to connect with you as the reality of the threat to public health from the global COVID-19 pandemic sets in, so I recorded this video to share with all of you.
The last two weeks have been very intense for all of us! At Amazon Watch, we have decided to stay grounded, close our offices, and cancel all travel, in-person meetings and events. This includes postponing our yearly gala, Amplify: A Celebration of Voices from the Amazon, which was to take place on April 22nd (the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day), until next spring for our 25th Anniversary. And while we’re not gathering in person this year, we will continue to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples of the Amazon. For Earth Day, we will be mobilizing virtually and we hope that you will join us. We’re going to stay connected and hope you stay connected with us!
We are committed to doing all we can to limit the spread of this virus. We are especially responsible to those who are most vulnerable and those with compromised immune systems, including our Indigenous partners who have expressed deep concern about the virus spreading to their communities.
Considering the history of the intentional spreading of disease to Indigenous peoples across the Americas, resulting in genocide and intergenerational trauma that has resurfaced today, we must limit our travel and social gatherings at this time. This is a huge responsibility which we do not take lightly. It is our collective responsibility so that we can continue to do this work for our future and future generations.
During this time of COVID-19, we have chosen to limit all travel to prevent the spread of the virus, and also to stay grounded in our work to protect the Amazon, defend the defenders, and demand climate justice. This is an opportunity for all of us to reshift, rethink, and reground ourselves in our work, our community, and our families.
Please take care and know we are thinking of you and sending all of our very best to you during these challenging times.
With deep love, gratitude, and solidarity on behalf of all of us at Amazon Watch,
Leila
