More About Brazil

Amazon Watch Joins Indigenous Partners' Demand That Outsiders Cease All Travel to Indigenous Territories Due to COVID-19 Threat

In a series of statements, PSA's, and social media outreach, indigenous peoples of the Brazilian, Peruvian, and Ecuadorian Amazon prepare to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus into their territories

"As humanity faces a global pandemic, indigenous peoples of the Amazon are among the planet's most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. We call on allies around the world to amplify the messages from indigenous peoples across the Amazon basin who are, once again, fighting for survival. We must mobilize to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in all indigenous territories and communities."

The Corona Connection

Forest loss drives viruses as well as climate change – and indigenous peoples are on the front lines of the destruction

"The coronavirus is now telling the world what we have been saying for thousands of years – that if we do not help protect biodiversity and nature, then we will face this and worse future threats," said Levi Sucre Romero, a BriBri indigenous person from Costa Rica.

Haaland, Omar, and a Delegation of Brazilian Congresswomen Call for Global Solidarity in Support of Human Rights and Climate Justice

"We, indigenous peoples, are the main target of Bolsonaro’s government. The Amazon is on fire. Laws and policies to protect the environment and uphold our rights are being dismantled. Our institutions are being gutted. The president has taken action against demarcation of our lands, threatening our existence. This puts lives at risk, especially in the Amazon, where I come from," said Joênia Wapichana, the first indigenous congresswoman in Brazil.

Did U.S. Companies and Consumers Help Fuel the Fires in the Amazon Rainforest?

"In the Brazilian Amazon, which of course is where the fires that caught the world's attention in August are located, the main drivers [of deforestation] are the agribusiness industry," said Moira Birss of Amazon Watch.

BlackRock's Agribusiness Engagement Guidelines Draw Scrutiny from Environmental Groups

Amazon Watch and Friends of the Earth demand real action on deforestation and human rights

"BlackRock is clearly feeling the pressure from the climate and indigenous rights movement to align its investment practices with a sustainable world, which includes how it engages with and invests in agribusiness," said Moira Birss, Climate and Finance Director at Amazon Watch. "Its new statement identifies many of the key risk factors of the industry but does not include any actual commitments."

Joaquin Phoenix Makes Film with Extinction Rebellion and Amazon Watch

Sônia Guajajara, Executive Coordinator of the Association of Brazil's Indigenous Peoples said: "This film is very important for us at this moment. It demonstrates the artists' engagement in Amazon protection by showing the key role indigenous peoples play in defending the forests, the planet, and life itself."