Amazon Watch

All Press Releases

For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact [email protected] or +1.510.281.9020.

Defending Global Biodiversity: Amazonian Leaders Push for Indigenous Land Rights at COP16

A delegation of Indigenous Amazonian leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru will be in Cali, Colombia for the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 to advocate for the protection of Indigenous land rights as a key strategy to safeguard remaining global biodiversity

Indigenous land defenders are delivering a clear message to world leaders in Colombia: Indigenous land rights must be protected to safeguard remaining global biodiversity and our collective future.

Murder of Peruvian Indigenous Earth Defender Underscores the Importance of Indigenous Land Rights

The discovery of murdered Peruvian Indigenous leader Gerardo Keimari Enrique underscores the need to center land titling and Indigenous rights as key strategies to protect the Amazon and Indigenous peoples

"This tragic incident is yet another case of an Indigenous leader who was targeted while advocating for a full land title for his community's territory in a contested area of the Peruvian Amazon."

Brazil’s Justice Minister Clears Munduruku Territory for Formal Titling

The “declaration” of Sawré Muybu territory upholds embattled Indigenous land rights in an endangered Amazonian region

“This is an enormous triumph for the Munduruku people, and for all of us who fight for Indigenous rights, for the forest, and for climate justice. It is proof that, even in the most ruthless of contexts, it is possible to achieve remarkable victories."

Immediate Global Action Needed to Contain Amazon Fires Emergency

Amazon Fire Response Fund established for immediate relief

Amazon Watch stands with affected Indigenous peoples and traditional communities in calling on the governments of Amazon nations and the international community to take immediate action to address this crisis.

Amazon Watch is building on more than 28 years of radical and effective solidarity with Indigenous peoples across the Amazon Basin.

DONATE NOW

Human Rights Crisis in Ecuador

The role of the United States and multilateral organizations in security strategies and combating organized crime

A delegation from Ecuador presented the results of a mission aimed at providing firsthand information on the serious setbacks in human rights and the impacts of illegal economies on Indigenous and peasant communities.

Solaris Stock Drops To an All Time Low After Misleading Statement

“The company’s rosy and clear-cut description of its Warintza model is quickly falling apart in the eyes of investors and shareholders who have been fed inaccurate information for years. The share price plummeting to rock-bottom today is a testament to that.” 

Ecuadorian Indigenous Organizations Deny "Agreement" Announced by Solaris Resources

AGM to occur amidst financial setbacks, decreasing share prices, and social conflicts resulting from flagship mining project in the Ecuadorian Amazon

“Solaris has entered our territories illegally and without consultation, co-opting former leaders, dividing communities and families, and provoking confrontations."

50 NGOs Urge President Biden to Pardon Human Rights Lawyer Steven Donziger

Groups urge Biden to follow recommendation by the U.N. to launch an investigation into the reasons that triggered Mr. Donziger’s arbitrary detention

“A pardon for Mr. Donziger will send a clear message that corporations in the U.S. cannot misuse the judicial system to criminalize human rights defenders."

Solaris Resources Faces Major Setback As Deal With Zijin Mining Falls Through

Project controversies, regulatory delay, and investor skepticism doom CAD$130 million deal over Ecuadorian Amazon project

Canada’s Solaris Resources announced yesterday that a CAD$130 million investment deal with Chinese firm Zijin Mining was dead, abruptly ending a much touted infusion of capital needed to advance its flagship Warintza project.

Major Brazilian Mobilization Demands Indigenous Land Rights in the Face of Mounting Threats

The Indigenous Free Land Camp strives to defend embattled constitutional rights while fighting grave threats from the agribusiness and mining sectors

"Ferrogrão is the train of death, of deforestation. The railroad is not going to carry people, as they claim, but grain production of international companies that are financing this project."

Indigenous and Community Coalition Challenges Petroperú’s Financial Backing

Citi and JPMorgan Chase urged to protect Indigenous rights and Amazonian ecosystems

A burgeoning coalition of Peruvian Amazonian Indigenous peoples and fishing organizations are demanding to meet JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup to warn against any new financing for state-operated oil company Petroperú because of its history of oil contamination and flagrant disregard of Indigenous and human rights.

Ecuador’s Indigenous Organizations Unanimously Reject Canadian Mining

"We know the government is in Canada trying to sign agreements with mining companies, but there has been no consultation for the Warintza project. The project violates the Ecuadorian constitution and our rights. Let it be known that we have not given our consent."

Amazonian Indigenous People Stage Major Mobilization Aimed at Stopping the Ferrogrão Railway

Indigenous-led “People's Tribunal” issues searing verdict on the megaproject and works to influence a key legal ruling that could determine its future

“The Popular Tribunal against Ferrogrão revealed the strength and determination of Indigenous peoples, traditional communities and social movements in defending their rights and the future of the planet.”

Ecuador’s President Ignores Indigenous Opposition to Mining at PDAC

Official leader of Shuar-Artuam People of Ecuador rejects statements alleging community support for Solaris Warintza mining project

"The rosy picture painted today by the government and mining sector is misleading to investors. The reality is that the mining industry is reeling from local resistance to its projects and adverse decisions from its highest court."

Over 100 International Organizations Denounce Belo Sun’s Efforts to Criminalize Brazilian Land Defenders

Canadian mining company Belo Sun is attempting to build the largest open-pit gold mine in Brazil, and now it has filed a criminal lawsuit against local community members and activists who are speaking out about the environmental and human rights impacts of the project

“We must halt all mining ventures in the Amazon, as they pose grave and irreversible threats to global climate stability and the future of humanity.”