The Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), hereby expresses extreme concern about the rapid destruction of the Amazon rainforest, home to our families and to all the resources we need to live. The related record rates of deforestation and outbreaks of fire are a consequence of the anti- indigenous and anti-environmental genocidal speeches of this government. Loggers are taking our land and irresponsible landlords are taking advantage of the weakening of environmental surveillance to advance into our homes (Amazon).
The weakening of enforcement is a result of Bolsonaro’s speech of violent attacks on the Amazon rainforest and our indigenous relatives who live there. Deforestation and a record wave of fires are destroying environmental protection areas and our territories, highlighting the dire consequences of this government’s attitudes to our current and future survival. As an example, we draw attention to the fires currently occurring on Bananal Island, Tocantins and in the Apyterewa Indigenous Land, in southern Pará, where indigenous peoples, including groups in voluntary isolation, live. The fires are destroying the remaining forests in these regions, vital spaces for the survival of our relatives. The state of Mato Grosso leads the current number of fire outbreaks. In addition to a strong agribusiness, Mato Grosso is home to many of our relatives. There are also isolated people in the state of Mato Grosso, many of whom have not yet had their presence recognized by the Brazilian state, which may also be in the process of escape and violence due to the current high rates of deforestation and fire. The states of Pará, Mato Grosso, and Amazon lead the ranking of deforestation this year, it is precisely where a significant population of our people is. It is also in this region that most of the last isolated peoples in Brazil live.
We will not admit such destruction to our homes… Amazon! They want to wipe us out, but the people of this land will not let you. We will fight for you and us.
NO BLOOD DROP MORE!