Chief Raoni Metuktire, a prominent Indigenous leader from the Amazon, has called upon Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to defend the rights of Indigenous people and protect the Amazon rainforest. In a letter, Chief Raoni demanded the removal of "invaders" from Indigenous territories and criticized the exclusion of Indigenous people from discussions on carbon credit negotiations. He urged the government to respond to 11 specific requests by August 9, coinciding with the Amazon summit attended by South American heads of state in Belem. The letter was presented to the minister of Indigenous peoples at an event attended by members of various ethnic groups.
Chief Raoni highlighted the need for Indigenous participation in drafting legislation related to the carbon market, as they have not been adequately included in the process. The carbon market, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, should consider Indigenous rights in its regulations. Additionally, he called for a clear stance on a pending court ruling that could threaten Indigenous territories' designations. Raoni's letter also demanded an end to mining activities that have adversely affected the health of the Yanomami people, with illegal gold miners invading their lands.
Furthermore, Chief Raoni urged mass testing of Indigenous people for mercury exposure due to gold prospecting and requested medical treatment for those affected. He condemned "agricultural partnerships" established under the previous government, forcing Indigenous people into farming and disregarding cultural sustainability. The event in Sao Jose do Xingu also featured a letter of support from Britain's King Charles, expressing solidarity in protecting the Amazon.
Chief Raoni has long campaigned for the protection of Indigenous territories in the Amazon. While Brazil has established over 732 Indigenous territories covering nearly 14% of the country's land, the process is slow and challenging. Under President Lula's latest term, only six out of 14 proposed territories have been established so far. However, there is hope for progress, as deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has decreased by 33.6% in the first six months of Lula's term, indicating positive strides in environmental efforts. Chief Raoni's appeal to President Lula emphasizes the crucial role of Indigenous communities in safeguarding the Amazon and calls for stronger actions to uphold their rights and protect the environment.
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