The chief Raoni, leader of the Kayapó people and an emblematic figure in the defense of indigenous peoples and the Amazon, is getting ready to receive President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his land. At around 90 years old, Raoni continues his fight against deforestation, illegal mining, and megaprojects such as oil exploitation that threaten the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
Message for COP30
Looking ahead to the COP30 climate summit, to be held in November in Belém, Raoni plans to urge world leaders to protect nature and avoid a catastrophic future.
In his words, as reported in an AFP news article, “as humans, we have a unique origin and we must live in harmony, protecting nature for the well-being of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.”
Demands to Lula
Raoni has two main demands for Lula:
- Stop oil exploitation in the Equatorial Margin, a project that has drawn criticism from environmentalists due to its potential impact on the Amazon.
- Enforce the demarcation of indigenous lands, a key promise to ensure the survival of indigenous peoples and the preservation of their territories.
Raoni also reminded Lula of past mistakes, such as the construction of the Belo Monte dam without prior consultation, and expressed his intention to work with the president to ensure the welfare of indigenous communities.
Impact of Climate Change
The indigenous leader emphasized how climate change has transformed the life of his people, with deforestation, river contamination, and extreme rainfall affecting agriculture and biodiversity.
Raoni called on non-indigenous people to reflect on the consequences of environmental destruction and work together to maintain climate balance.
Stance on Bolsonaro
Raoni reiterated his condemnation of former President Jair Bolsonaro for persecuting indigenous people and destroying their habitat.
Regarding the possibility of Bolsonaro facing imprisonment, Raoni expressed his full support, describing him as a person without a humanitarian perspective.
Cover photo: Ricardo Stuckert/PR
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