Protect the Amazon and support its people – act now!

November 26, 2024

The Amazon, one of the largest and most important ecosystems on earth, is under serious threat. Rivers are drying up and deforestation is wiping out vast swathes of rainforest at an alarming pace. The consequences for biodiversity and the millions of Indigenous people who live there are devastating. They play a crucial role in protecting the forest, but their rights are being violated and their voices are ignored.

But there are courageous people fighting to save the future of the Amazon and its inhabitants, and Hivos supports them.

Access to information is essential

Without our reporting, abuses would remain underexposed

Indigenous communities in the Amazon often live in isolation. Access to news, information and services is not readily available. The media outlets that do reach them are often financed by the agro-industry and companies that put profit above nature.

That is why Hivos supports the independent media platform Tapajós de Fato, which provides trustworthy, factual information for the local population about human rights violations and exploitation of the rainforest.

Protecting the lifeblood of the Amazon

Indigenous communities are Nature’s guardians

The inhabitants of the Amazon depend on rivers for their food supply and transportation. Children go to school and the sick go to the hospital or emergency room on river boats. But with pollution and dropping water levels threatening their most important waterways, people are becoming more isolated and their health is at great risk. In Brazil, we support the legal establishment of rights for the Arapiuns River, and in Ecuador we work with Indigenous communities to protect their health by, among other things, improving access to clean water.

Involving citizens for real change

Indigenous communities are Nature’s guardians

The Amazon also needs political protection. That is why Hivos supports initiatives that actively involve Indigenous communities, young people, women and other citizens in policy making. Local activist Sayonara Malta has set up a digital platform for citizen participation: “Local communities have centuries-old knowledge and methods to deal with the climate. The platform helps us gather this knowledge to influence climate policy.” This is a step in the right direction, but the work is far from finished.