The Amazon in danger - Indigenous peoples and their struggle for the rainforest | DW Documentary

The forest is a sacred place where the guardians and spirits live. It provides fruits like acai berries and pecky fruit, as well as meat from wild animals. The forest is not only a source of livelihood but also a place where children are taught to find food and live in harmony with nature. It is regarded as territory to be protected and cherished.

Brazil began developing the Amazon about 40 years ago, initially under the military regime. The government encouraged migration and issued land ownership titles, often through a legal process. However, illegal land appropriation, or grilajem, also became common. Land grabbers clear forests to claim land and later attempt to legalize their acquisitions. This organized crime often involves investors and lawyers outside the Amazon region, aiming to profit from the land.

Environmental crime is rampant in areas like Novo Progresso, driven by organized crime and land speculation. Illegal loggers clear forests and try to legitimize their claims. Inspectors often encounter fake documents and middlemen, making it difficult to track illegal activities. Despite inspections and aerial surveillance, criminals find ways to evade authorities and continue their operations.

Infrastructure development, such as the paving of Highway 163, facilitates land speculation. Land near the highway is being cleared and sold, often involving illegal activities. The lack of governmental oversight and the high demand for land lead to ongoing deforestation and land grabbing.

The future of the Amazon depends on sustainable development. Efforts to protect the rainforest must balance economic, social, and environmental aspects. Long-term investment is necessary to stop deforestation and improve living conditions. The region needs about 25 to 40 billion euros in the next few years for infrastructure projects, but these must consider local conditions to avoid further deforestation.

Indigenous people have been fighting for the demarcation of their land for over 20 years. Despite presenting an anthropological report in 2013, the Funai has not signed off on the boundaries due to ongoing governmental projects like hydropower plants. Indigenous communities resist these projects to protect their land, culture, and environment.

Hydropower plants in the Amazon bring significant changes, affecting habitats and the bond between people and water. Lessons from reservoirs in the southeast highlight the need to consider local needs and preserve entire river systems for sustainable development.

Indigenous communities are taking matters into their own hands by drawing boundaries to protect their land from land grabbers and government projects. They emphasize the cultural and historical significance of their territory and the need to preserve it for future generations.

Recorded conversations reveal the strategies of land grabbers, including sidestepping environmental agencies and legalizing their ownership. They argue that clearing forests is necessary for progress and survival, despite violating environmental laws.

Investigations into land grabbers reveal organized crime activities like money laundering and tax evasion linked to environmental destruction. These activities are often facilitated by fake documents and the lack of a legal framework, making it challenging to enforce environmental laws.

Communities have been fighting land grabbing for years, defending their territory and culture. Collaboration with neighboring indigenous groups is essential to protect their land and way of life from loggers and other intruders.

Communities are actively marking their territory to prevent encroachment by miners and loggers. Despite the risks, including violence, they are determined to protect their land and preserve their traditional way of life.

Illegal logging operations continue on indigenous land, driven by high profits from valuable timber. Workers take risks for higher wages, but the environmental impact and legal consequences are significant.

Environmental agencies face challenges in enforcing laws on illegal logging. Land grabbers continue to operate despite inspections and fines. The struggle to protect public land and the rainforest remains ongoing.

Preventing deforestation in the Amazon requires protecting unused forest areas from privatization. Establishing various types of reserves can help preserve the rainforest while allowing sustainable use by local communities.

Addressing land grabbing involves preventing the privatization of public land and ensuring it is preserved for the Brazilian people. Effective and swift enforcement of laws is crucial to protect the rainforest and public property.

Indigenous communities are taking a stand against land grabbers and government projects that threaten their land and culture. Their resistance is vital to preserving their way of life and the rainforest.

The cultural significance of the rainforest to indigenous people is profound. They are deeply connected to nature, and their way of life offers valuable lessons in sustainability and respect for the environment.