Amazon's Guardian Speaks Out Against Threats to His Home
Chief Raoni, a 93-year-old Indigenous leader, is raising concerns about Brazil's infrastructure projects, which he believes could harm the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants. He is currently in Brazil for the U.N. climate summit, COP30, advocating for greater Indigenous involvement in forest management decisions.
Key Concerns
Raoni is particularly worried about:
- Highways
- Rail projects
- Oil wells
He warns that these developments will destroy rivers and lands, stating:
"These projects destroy rivers and lands, and they are continuing to do it. I don't like it."
He emphasizes that the consequences will affect everyone, not just Indigenous communities.
Criticized Projects
Raoni has criticized several Brazilian initiatives, including:
- Paving a highway through the forest
- Granting Petrobras a license to explore offshore oil near the Amazon River
He argues that these projects will not benefit local populations.
A Call for Legal Protections
Raoni, known for his distinctive lip plate and yellow feather headdress, is one of the world's most recognized Indigenous leaders. He urges the Brazilian government to legally protect tribal lands, stating:
"It is very important for the protection of the lands."
A Lifelong Fight for the Amazon
Raoni has been advocating for the Amazon for decades, attending the 1992 Earth Rio Summit. He laments that no positive changes have occurred since then. He appeals to non-Indigenous people, urging them to consider future generations:
"You non-Indigenous people, perhaps you should have listened and thought about your children, thought about your grandchildren, so that the forest can live and contribute to the lives of new generations, of your grandchildren."
