As climate denial gained renewed political traction and governments moved to restrict civic space, Indigenous peoples and grassroots movements across the Amazon advanced bold, collective visions for the future.
Indigenous Rights
Small Steps Made, Big Leaps Needed: JPMorgan Chase Reveals Policy Shifts
World’s largest fossil financier responds following Indigenous-led bank advocacy against fossil fuel expansion in the Peruvian Amazon
The changes fall far short of what is needed to prevent violations of Indigenous peoples' rights and to halt large scale destruction of critical ecosystems like the Amazon biome.
Amazonian Indigenous Peoples Void Belo Sun’s Consultation, Threatening Mega-mine’s Approval
Juruna and Arara peoples formally revoke consultations used by Canadian company to justify licensing of its Volta Grande gold mine in Brazil’s Xingu region
“Prior consultation is a binding requirement established by the Federal Regional Court and an indispensable condition for the environmental licensing process to move forward.“
Indigenous People Are Leading the End of the Fossil Fuel Era in the Amazon
Newsweek | The path forward is simple and urgent. Governments must declare the Amazon and Indigenous territories no-go zones for fossil fuels.
From Self-Government to Climate Leadership: The Wampis Nation’s Story
“For us, the Wampis, autonomy means living in freedom and peace as we have inherited our territory. It means being free from pollution and deciding our own future, for ourselves, but also for all of humanity”.
Amazon Watch is building on more than 28 years of radical and effective solidarity with Indigenous peoples across the Amazon Basin.
Brazil’s Senate Rams Through Constitutional Amendment Imperiling Indigenous Lands and Communities
Mining companies stand to benefit as Indigenous organizations warn of impending human rights and environmental disaster
Brazil’s largest Indigenous organizations warn that the amendment dismantles the country’s constitutional framework for territorial protection.
Ecuador’s Government Celebrates Its Defeat in Chevron Arbitration While the Company Applauds a $220 Million Award
Communities won their lawsuit, yet the country is being forced to pay the company responsible for one of the worst environmental crimes in the Amazon.
Amazon Watch Responds to Reports That Ecuador Told To Pay $220 Million to Chevron
“A debt is owed to the Amazonian families still waiting for truth, justice, and full reparation."
Ecuador Rejects Militarization and Backs Call for Accountability
President Noboa's defeat in the national referendum comes after weeks of mobilization and repression
By rejecting Noboa’s militarized reforms, Ecuadorians chose solutions that protect life and dignity instead of policies based on repression.
“It’s Not Safe to Live Here.”
Colombia is deadliest country for environmental defenders
Associated Press | “We have to continue defending the future, and we need more and more people to join this cause.”
This Is What True Climate Leadership Looks Like
Indigenous women and the grassroots Amazonian movement carried COP30 on their shoulders
“We’re very happy that our lands advanced in the demarcation process, but there are so many lands that still need to be recognized and demarcated in Brazil.”
Ferrogrão Reignites Conflict Between the Government and Indigenous Peoples at COP30
AFP | “We are not going to allow it, because this is our home, our river, our forest.”
Ecuadorians Vote Down Noboa’s Extractive Agenda
The results of a recent national referendum delivered a major victory for the Amazon
This victory belongs to the people of Ecuador. It is a reminder that democratic power still matters, even in times of crisis. But it is also a beginning, not an end.
Protect the Amazon, Tax the Polluters: Climate Activists Demand Action at COP30 in Belém, Brazil
Democracy Now! | The Brazilian government said, "We’re going to put a hold on Ferrogrão. We’re not going forward on this soy railway for Cargill and ADM and Bunge and all these multinational corporations to feed animals, not people. We’re not going forward with this without people’s consent.”
JPMorgan Chase Quietly Adds Restrictions to Fossil Fuel Financing in the Amazon Rainforest
At COP30, experts acknowledge this step and underscore the need for a policy that fully ends financing to oil and gas in the Amazon
“Years of steadfast organizing under the leadership of Amazonian Indigenous peoples have successfully pressured JPMorgan, the world’s largest fossil financier, to take a crucial step towards recognizing Indigenous and human rights."
The Answer Caravan Brings the Amazon’s Voice to COP30
“The forest lives because we are here. If they remove the people, the forest will die with them."
Amazon Free from Extraction: Ending Oil, Gas, Mining, and Agribusiness on Indigenous Lands
COP30 press conference featuring Amazonian Indigenous leaders from Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru
As COP30 enters its second week of negotiations, Amazonian Indigenous leaders arrive in Belém after leading powerful and courageous actions.
Major River Mobilization from the Amazon Arrives at COP30
More than 200 boats carrying Indigenous, riverine, and social movement leaders occupied Guajará Bay in a historic act for the Amazon and climate justice. Chief Raoni Metuktire reminded the world of a simple truth: “The forest lives because we are here. If they remove the people, the forest will die with them.”
“The presence of Indigenous Peoples at COP30 is very important, but the struggle doesn’t end here."
Global Artists and Cultural Influencers Support Historic Indigenous Declaration
The peaceful protest was a powerful statement from Indigenous and traditional communities about the impacts of Brazil’s grain export corridors on rivers, fisheries, territories, and local livelihoods.
Indigenous Peoples Intercept Soy Barges on the Tapajós River
“There can be no real climate solution while Amazonian rivers are treated merely as grain corridors and the peoples of the Tapajós continue to be denied their right to free, prior, and informed consent.”
The peaceful protest was a powerful statement from Indigenous and traditional communities about the impacts of Brazil’s grain export corridors on rivers, fisheries, territories, and local livelihoods.
The Fight Against Climate Change Is Also a Fight Against Organized Crime
Belém COP cannot succeed without taking decisive action
Open Global Rights | Belém can be remembered as a turning point – when the world stopped treating the Amazon as a victim and began dismantling the criminal economies driving its collapse.
Endangered Amazonía
This report, a collection of 22 articles from Indigenous organizations, researchers, journalists, and international organizations, shows forest degradation and fires have not only pushed the Amazon beyond previous estimates of proximity to its tipping point, but that human activity has driven the forest beyond where mere protection of what remains...
Exposing The Money Trail Behind Fossil Fuels in Latin America and the Caribbean
Investigation exposes financiers driving oil expansion in Latin America and the Amazon – and sheds light on ongoing Indigenous resistance stopping it in its tracks
In a few days the 30th United Nations Climate Conference will take place – in the Amazon!
Amazon Watch and Allies at COP30 in Belém, Brazil
“COP30 must mark a turning point, from promises to action, from extraction to regeneration, and from political speeches to Indigenous sovereignty.”
COP30 at the Crossroads: Indigenous Sovereignty or Climate Collapse
In a few days the 30th United Nations Climate Conference will take place – in the Amazon!
Standing With the Kakataibo
Resilience amid Peru’s crisis of corruption and organized crime
The Kakataibo have made it clear to us: they will not give up. Their fight to reclaim and defend their ancestral lands has lasted more than two decades, and this is simply another chapter in a long struggle for survival and justice.
Defending the Amazon Against Illegal Economies
The Wampís Nation’s fight to defend their territory against an invasion of illegal mining
The Wampís’ fight is not just local, it’s global. Defending the Amazon means defending the planet.
A River of Resistance: Witnessing the Launch of the Yaku Mama Amazon Flotilla
“We set out not to conquer, but to connect; so that the world, finally, will listen to the voices of the Amazon.”
Over 130 International Organizations Denounce Escalating State Violence in Ecuador and Call for Global Action to Protect Human Rights
"Peace cannot be imposed by force; it is built on truth, justice, and dialogue."
