Raoni Metuktire, tribal leader, is challenging Brazil’s plans for an oil project at the Amazon river amidst the COP30 climate talks. He aims to meet President Lula to advocate for Indigenous rights and climate conservation. Despite Lula’s push for economic growth through oil, Raoni emphasizes the adverse effects of deforestation and pollution on Indigenous communities.
Raoni Metuktire, a notable Brazilian environmental campaigner and tribal leader, is opposing government plans for an oil mega-project at the Amazon river’s mouth. With Brazil set to host the UN’s COP30 climate talks in Belem in November, Raoni intends to engage President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during his visit to the Amazon. The government is considering granting an exploration license to state-owned Petrobras in the Equatorial Margin, despite Lula’s objectives to combat climate change.
Raoni, renowned for his activism since the 1980s alongside British musician Sting, has tirelessly advocated for Indigenous rights against deforestation. At approximately 90 years old, he remains recognizable by the traditional wooden plate in his lip and has been a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. His recent interview with AFP took place at the Raoni Institute, dedicated to Indigenous people’s rights.
Raoni is expected to host Lula in early April, though this visit remains unconfirmed by the national government. He shared his concerns regarding climate change during the interview, emphasizing the urgency to protect nature for future generations. He criticized past governmental practices, specifically recalling Lula’s controversial Belo Monte dam project, which was built without Indigenous consultation.
Addressing the Equatorial Margin oil exploration project, Raoni emphasized his intention to speak with Lula and advocate against the exploitation of Amazon resources. He articulated the environmental crises his people face – increased deforestation and polluted rivers – which severely impact their way of life.
Raoni expressed his hope that non-Indigenous people would recognize the ecological consequences of their actions. He described a vision of a potentially catastrophic flood as a means of cleansing the world, urging for a collective effort to preserve climate balance. Furthermore, he criticized former President Jair Bolsonaro for his denial of climate change and expressed support for potential legal action against him.
In conclusion, Raoni Metuktire’s determined opposition to the Amazon oil project highlights the complexities of environmental conservation and Indigenous rights in Brazil. As the country prepares for international climate discussions, the upcoming dialogue between Raoni and President Lula represents a critical opportunity for addressing these pressing issues. Raoni’s call for collective responsibility in combating climate change underscores the urgent need for unity in preserving the Amazon and its diverse ecosystems.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
