Brazilian President Lula da Silva finally got to work and signed a series of decrees limiting six new reserves for indigenous peoples Amazon, and this will benefit the Maku and Tukano indigenous peoples, among others. With this measure, these communities will be able to preserve their traditional lifestyles, which are threatened by the growing expansion of illegal mining and cattle raising, which is the cause of deforestation.
At a meeting with representatives of indigenous peoples in the Brazilian city, the president approved a series of decrees aimed at creating new reserves and guaranteeing exclusive use of indigenous people’s natural resources, AP agency reported. This is a first batch of newly protected areas this will total 14, including close to one million hectares.
“It is a time-consuming process, but we will work to limit as many domestic reserves as possible. If we want to achieve zero deforestation by 2030, we need the maximum amount of restricted land.‘ said President Lula.
The left-wing president made the announcement on the occasion of the closing of the 19th edition of the ‘Terra Livre’ (free land) camp, an annual gathering that brings together thousands of indigenous people from all over the country in an open air space. Brazilian capital.
Protecting Amazon
Lula, 77, signed the decrees with prominent indigenous leaders such as the iconic chieftain Raoni Metuktire, who presented him with a traditional headdress of blue and red feathers and put it on the president’s head. “We will do more in four years (for indigenous peoples) than we did in eight years (2003-2010) when we ruled the country.” He promised the Brazilian president, who began his third term in office in January.
No new reservations were created at the disposal of the far right Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), had promised “not an inch” to the indigenous peoples before he came to power.. Under Bolsonaro’s presidency, average annual deforestation increased by 75% over the previous decade.
The last reserved domain was created on April 26, 2018.It has affected the indigenous lands of Baia do Guató, an area of 20,000 hectares in the province of Mato Grosso (mid-west) under the chairmanship of Michel Temer (2016-2018).
New bookings in the coming years
According to the last census from 2010, approximately 800,000 indigenous people live in this South American country.the majority are in reserves occupying 13.75% of the territory.
“When you are told that you occupy 14 percent of the land and you think that is a lot, it is necessary to remember this: You occupied 100% of the territory before the Portuguese arrivedApplauded by the public, Lula remembered.
Last month, Indigenous Peoples Minister Sonia Guajajara, In total, fourteen regions (including six approved on Friday) covering about 900,000 hectares were ready to be placed under Indigenous rule.
“We will write a new history for the good of our planet and all of humanity,” the minister said on Friday, shortly before the decrees were signed.
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Contact details of the environment department: [email protected]