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5000 Hectares
Munduruku
Indigenous Territory Application Outstanding
Forest Guardians operating since 2020
With the Lula administration showing openness to dialogue, the Indigenous Council’s efforts, combined with strong networks and legal advocacy, are critical to achieving demarcation and environmental protection goals. The work continues to focus on safeguarding the tangible and intangible heritage of the Munduruku and Apiaká people.
The Munduruku Indigenous people of Planalto, are located in the Santareno Plateau in Pará, Brazil. They are actively advancing their territorial demarcation efforts. The Indigenous Council is working on finalizing the Detailed Identification and Delimitation Report, a crucial step in achieving official recognition of their lands. This includes land surveys and the involvement of the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI). In parallel, the Council has engaged in strategic lobbying in Brasília, These efforts have pushed forward demands for territory protection and action against illegal deforestation by soy farmers.
The Indigenous Council has strengthened its territorial monitoring group through workshops, drone training, and fire prevention programs. This group resists violations from landowners while preserving Indigenous traditions. Recent successes include partnerships with NGOs and federal institutions, fostering youth involvement in protecting their culture and territory.
Chief Jose Nildo talking about the challenges of the Munduruku people and their need of support.
The Munduruku people of Planalto, located in Pará, Brazil, are actively engaged in protecting their ancestral lands from illegal encroachment by soy farmers. These farmers exploit the region with disregard for the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities, threatening both cultural heritage and the local ecosystem.
Efforts to support the Munduruku focus on legal advocacy, including funding and advancing their Indigenous land rights application. Notably, this application was the only one submitted in Brazil during the Bolsonaro administration, reflecting a significant act of resistance and determination. Legal actions are also underway to hold soy farmers accountable for unlawful activities that violate both environmental and Indigenous rights.
Recognition of the Munduruku’s land rights is anticipated in the near future, but the preservation of their lands extends beyond formal documentation. The Forest Guardians play a critical role in patrolling the territory, preventing illegal deforestation, and ensuring the continued protection of the land. Their efforts remain essential and rely on external support to sustain their activities.
In a video below, Cacique (Chief) Josenildo addresses the Treesistance community, sharing an important message about the ongoing fight for justice and the preservation of the forest.
Ipaupixuna, a small community in Pará, Brazil, lies at the heart of the Amazon Basin and serves as a vital base for the Munduruku people in their fight to protect their ancestral lands. Surrounded by dense rainforests and intricate river systems, the region is home to remarkable biodiversity, as well as the cultural heritage of the Munduruku. Facing illegal encroachment by soy farmers who exploit the land with disregard for Indigenous rights, the Munduruku have taken a stand through legal advocacy and grassroots efforts. Their Indigenous land rights application, submitted during the Bolsonaro administration, was the only one of its kind in Brazil at the time, reflecting their resilience and determination. However, safeguarding the land extends beyond legal recognition. The Forest Guardians, who patrol the territory to prevent illegal deforestation and protect natural resources, are essential to the preservation of the region. Their efforts, alongside the Munduruku’s traditional knowledge of flora and sustainable practices, are a testament to the critical role Indigenous communities play in the conservation of the Amazon rainforest. Support for these initiatives remains vital to ensuring justice, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability in this richly diverse region.
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