Categorie: Tapajos

New Partnership with Jacobs Futura

Posted on by Elli

Treesistance is proud to announce a new partnership with the Jacobs Foundation’s Futura Program, through their Rainforest Grants initiative. Together, we are working on An Indigenous Roadmap For Effective Forest Conservation in Brazil.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is not only one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time — it is also overwhelmingly illegal. Around 90% of forest loss happens outside the law, often in Indigenous territories that remain vast but under-protected. Yet most conservation efforts continue to treat it as a biological or social issue, overlooking a crucial truth: this is also a crime problem.

Treesistance is different. By applying crime science and situational crime prevention techniques, we work hand in hand with Indigenous communities to strengthen their ability to protect their territories. This approach doesn’t replace Indigenous knowledge — it complements and amplifies it, providing tools that guardians can use alongside generations of lived expertise.

Through this new partnership, Treesistance will collaborate with Indigenous territories across the Brazilian states of Pará, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso to protect more than one million hectares of primary rainforest and Cerrado. This includes the self-demarcation of five territories in the Lower Tapajós region of Pará, the development of access-to-justice strategies in TI Andirá-Marau (789,000 hectares) and TI Pimentel Barbosa (329,000 hectares), and the organisational strengthening of Indigenous leadership and coordination — foundations that are vital for the long-term success of each territory.

The Jacobs Foundation’s Futura Program contributes not only financial support, but also visibility and long-term partnership — helping to amplify Indigenous leadership and connect local guardians with international networks.

At its heart, this project is about amplifying Indigenous leadership. By ensuring that conservation strategies are guided by those who live in and depend on the forest, we not only protect territory — we build resilience, self-determination, and justice.

For Treesistance, this collaboration marks another step in scaling our model — linking grassroots defenders of the Amazon with global partners who share the vision of protecting forests not as commodities, but as living, breathing sources of life.

2 Years of Treesistance

Posted on by Elli

2 Years of Treesistance

Two years ago, Treesistance was created out of an urgent need: to stand beside Indigenous communities who face violence and threats every day for defending the Amazon. What began in 2023 as a small initiative has grown into a global movement rooted in solidarity, courage, and Indigenous leadership.

What makes Treesistance different is simple

It is Indigenous-led at its core. Forest guardians are not an “add-on” to conservation — they are the strategy. By putting their knowledge, their leadership, and their daily realities at the center, we ensure that protection of the Amazon is effective, just, and sustainable.

This approach is built on four strategic pillars:

Territorial defence — equipping forest guardians with the tools and training they need to patrol and protect their lands.

Monitoring and research — gathering data and evidence to confront environmental crime and support legal action.

Community empowerment — strengthening education, health, and local economies to build long-term resilience.

International solidarity — connecting Indigenous struggles in the Amazon with allies, funders, and movements around the world.

Two years in, this model is already proving its impact. Forest guardians in Maró are carrying out daily patrols, monitoring illegal logging with GPS cameras, and keeping their territory safe. Our track record includes training dozens of new guardians, building partnerships with universities and NGOs, and raising funds that directly support equipment, transport, and security for the defenders on the ground.

This work is resonating far beyond the Amazon. In June 2025, Chief Dadá Borarí became the first Indigenous laureate of the Prix Voltaire sustainability award, a moment of recognition that symbolised the courage of all those who continue to resist. At the same time, Treesistance has seen new founders, funders, and partners join us. They are inspired by the clarity of our mission: that forest protection must be Indigenous-led, and that solidarity is not a slogan but a practice.

Looking ahead, our focus is on scaling this model to new territories, building deeper alliances, and growing a support base that ensures guardians can continue their work with safety and dignity.

Two years of Treesistance have shown what is possible when Indigenous leadership is placed at the center. We are humbled by the resilience of the guardians and grateful for everyone who has walked with us on this path. This is only the beginning — and together, we will continue to resist.

TreeGreen Fund First Installation

Posted on by Elli

TreeGreen Fund Update: First Solar Installation Completed in Arapyun Village

We’re proud to share a major milestone for the TreeGreen Fund: In May, we completed our first full community solar energy installation in the Indigenous village of Arapyun — a powerful step toward energy equity and self-sufficiency in the Brazilian Amazon.

This installation also marks the successful completion of our training and capacity-building program, developed in collaboration with the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA). Through this initiative, local community members gained the skills needed to install, maintain, and manage their own renewable energy systems — ensuring long-term impact and Indigenous leadership at the core.

Thanks to the strength of our partnership with Greenchoice and CITA (Indigenous Council of the Tapajós and Arapiuns), this is only the beginning. We look forward to expanding installations and implementing innovative energy solutions across the region throughout 2025 — bringing power to schools, health centers, forest monitoring outposts, and beyond.

The TreeGreen Fund is more than infrastructure — it’s about empowerment, resilience, and sustainable conservation led by those who protect the Amazon every day.

Munduruku Water Guardians in actie

Posted on by Elli

After a short break, we’re thrilled to return with an exciting update from the Munduruku territory of Takuara in the Brazilian Amazon.

In March, a new chapter began for the region’s environmental protection efforts: a visual monitoring and documentation training was completed for the newly formed Munduruku Water Guardian group. This milestone initiative brought together senior Indigenous leaders, group coordinators, and youth from the community.

The training was led by Treesistance representative Vivi Borari, who focused on equipping the Guardians with vital skills in using cutting-edge tools—zoom cameras and drones—that will help document illegal activities such as predatory fishing, and identify routes used by illegal loggers and hunters entering via the river.

In Vivi’s own words:

“Territorial monitoring is an important tool for us, Indigenous peoples, to continue monitoring and responding to threats to our territory and our waters. In a scenario of increasing pressure on the Amazon, strengthening these strategies means reinforcing our autonomy and our capacity for defence, keeping alive our ways of life and our ancestral relationship with the forest and the waters.”

Guardians in Action: Dredging Confrontation Leads to Legal Response

The Guardians’ impact was immediate.

On their first excursion, they identified a vessel illegally dredging the river within their territory (dredging being a process used to deepen waterways, in this case to enable large soy transport ships to access deeper parts of the Amazon—often at the cost of Indigenous lands and vital ecosystems) —a serious environmental threat linked to large-scale soy transportation, often tied to forest destruction.

Thanks to their swift action, the community filed a formal complaint, and the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has since requested the suspension of the dredging and official marking of the Tapajós River, which runs through the region.

Supporting the Guardians: Partnership for Long-Term Impact

Treesistance partners with Indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon to protect primary rainforest using bold, tangible strategies built on four strategic pillars:

  1. Toegang tot rechtshulp
  2. Communications
  3. Renewable Energy
  4. Economic Development

This innovative model provides the technology, logistical support, and training needed for the Munduruku people of Bragança/ Marituba and Takuara to prevent predatory fishing, stop invasions via waterways, and protect the precious ecosystems that both they—and we—depend on.

Scaling Up: Boats, Drones, and Inter-Territorial Cooperation

90% of the project funds had been deployed. Two smaller speedboats—one for each territory—have been purchased, along with two high-quality drones. Once the boats arrive, a two-day joint workshop will be held to begin coordinated monitoring efforts. The aim is to support inter-territorial collaboration in protecting a 160km stretch along the Tapajós National Forest.

Het versterken van het Arapiun-volk

Posted on by Elli

In December 2024, our final Forest Guardian training of the year was held in the community of Tucuma, located on the banks of the Arapiun River. This training brought together the Arapiun people and was led by Chief Dadá Borari, Head of the Treesistance Forest Guardian Program, along with members of the Maró guardian group.

Their mission: to empower the local community with the tools and knowledge needed to defend their territory.

The team, accompanied by representatives from CITA (Indigenous Council of the Tapajós and Arapiuns), provided a multi-day training program focused on combating forest crimes. Participants engaged in workshops covering a range of critical topics, including:

  • Technology and Technical Training: Equipping the community with tools to monitor and report illegal activities.
  • Map Creation Workshops: Developing accurate maps to better understand and protect their territory.
  • Navigating Conflict Zones: Training on strategies to safely traverse and monitor contested areas.
  • Safe Confrontation and De-escalation Techniques: In-depth discussions on addressing conflicts in a manner that prioritizes safety and resolution.

The program’s holistic approach ensured that participants not only gained technical skills but also developed the confidence to confront challenges in their region effectively.

This initiative was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Koffels Solicitors & Barristers, an Australian law firm committed to supporting sustainable and indigenous-led conservation efforts.

As we conclude another impactful year, the Treesistance Forest Guardian Program remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the Amazon and empowering its people. Together, we continue to build a future where communities thrive and the forests they call home are protected.

2024: een jaar van impact en groei

Posted on by Elli

As the year draws to a close, we are proud to share the progress and impact of Treesistance’s efforts in 2024. From expanding Forest Guardian programs to launching new initiatives, our work has furthered the protection of Indigenous territories and vital ecosystems across the Amazon and Cerrado.

Maró Guardians on patrol blocking the road to illegal loggers

Key Highlights from 2024

  • Forest Guardianship: Our Forest Guardian program now operates in 11 Indigenous territories across three Brazilian states, protecting 500,000 hectares of rainforest and cerrado.
  • Water Guardians: In partnership with Indigenous leaders, we co-created and secured funding for the Water Guardians Program, launching January 2025. This initiative will protect the 160km coastline of the Tapajós National Forest.
  • Renewable Energy: In collaboration with Greenchoice, we launched a €500,000 Green Energy Fund to address Indigenous communities’ energy needs, including powering monitoring equipment, water systems, and community spaces.
  • Technological Advancements: Partnerships introduced satellite monitoring systems and low-tech tools, enabling real-time detection and response to illegal activities in Indigenous territories.

Standing Up for Justice and Sustainability

Our commitment to justice saw success this year, with legal action against soy farmers in the Lower Tapajós holding them accountable for encroachment. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Communications Network we developed will connect nine territories in 2025, streamlining communication and collaboration among Forest Guardians.

Building New Guardianship Programs

In 2024, we proudly launched five new Forest Guardian groups in the Lower Tapajós, with support from sponsors including Koffels Solicitors & Barristers and other international partners. This expansion brought new training, resources, and empowerment to communities defending their lands from illegal activities.

The Treesistance team meeting with the Arapyun community. The location chosen for the on-site training and first installations.

Looking Forward to 2025

As we head into the new year, we are optimistic about the launch of the Water Guardians Program, further expansion of the Forest Guardianship, and deeper collaboration with Indigenous communities. Together, we can continue to protect the biodiversity of the Amazon and support the resilience of its people.

Our deepest gratitude goes to the communities, partners, and sponsors who make this work possible. To read the full 2024 Impact Report, click here.

Lancering van het TreeGreen Fonds

Posted on by Elli

Launch of the TreeGreen Fund: Empowering Indigenous Amazon Communities with Sustainable Energy Solutions

As fuel costs soar across the Amazon, Indigenous communities face an ongoing struggle to meet basic energy needs, leaving them caught in cycles of poverty and vulnerable to exploitation. Long-term nature conservation in Indigenous territories is only sustainable if these communities gain access to reliable, affordable energy solutions. Recognizing this, Treesistance and Dutch energy provider Greenchoice have launched the TreeGreen Fund — a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing energy inequality and uplifting communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

With an initial €500,000 fund, the TreeGreen Fund is committed to delivering solutions that champion Indigenous-led nature conservation and territorial defence while supporting health, education, and sustainable economic growth. Core to the fund’s mission is community ownership and empowerment, embedding Indigenous representatives directly into its institutional framework and supporting skill-building initiatives. In collaboration with the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), a training and capacity-building program will equip communities to install, use, manage, and maintain critical energy infrastructure.

Additionally, the fund will operate through a revolving development fund managed by Impact Bank in Brazil, allowing Indigenous communities to sustain projects independently.

Programs under the TreeGreen Fund are comprehensive and geared toward essential community needs. These include:

  • Territorial Defense: Energy solutions will power forest guardian outposts, communication systems to report forest crimes in real-time, and essential technology for monitoring and defense.
  • Health and Logistics: The fund will support refrigeration for medicines and seasonal foods, provide solar-powered boats for transport, and enable water access and filtration systems to combat extreme drought conditions.
  • Educational and Community Spaces: Schools, meeting points, and collective spaces will gain access to renewable energy, bolstering education and communal activities.
  • Duurzame economische ontwikkeling: Energy will be channelled into projects that promote economic resilience and sustainability.

By providing reliable energy and fostering community-driven conservation, the TreeGreen Fund marks a crucial step toward both social equity and environmental stewardship in the Amazon. The fund’s vision goes beyond immediate support, aiming to strengthen Indigenous communities’ capacity for self-reliance while creating a sustainable pathway to conserve one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.

Versterking van de territoriale verdediging in Pajurá

Posted on by Elli

In July 2024, Chief Dadá Borari, head of the Treesistance Forest Guardians program, led a vital training session with the Pajurá community of the Tupinambá people. Located along the Tapajós River in the municipality of Santarém. The Tupinambá are known for their strong resistance and leadership in protecting their lands and culture.

The training brought together over 20 participants, including men and women of all ages. They learned essential skills in territorial defense, map creation, and fieldwork using mobile phones and GPS cameras. This initiative, supported by members of the Maró Indigenous Territory, was designed to equip the community with tools to safeguard their territory from growing threats.

A History of Struggle and Resilience

The Tupinambá people of the Lower Tapajós inhabit the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve (Resex), established in 1998 to counter threats from logging companies. Approximately 20 of the 70 Indigenous villages in the area belong to the Tupinambá. Despite their resilience, they have faced historical challenges in asserting their identity and land rights. Missionary activities and the devastating Cabanagem conflict, which wiped out up to 40% of the population in Grão Pará, almost erased their presence. This led many to believe that Indigenous groups in the region had vanished.

The creation of the Resex allowed the Tupinambá to reclaim their identity and demand the demarcation of their ancestral lands as Indigenous territory. This recognition would transform the current classification of the area and grant them greater control over their land.

Ongoing Threats and the Fight for Recognition

However, progress in officially recognizing Indigenous territories within the Resex has been slow. Frustrated by the delays, the Tupinambá began self-demarcating their lands in 2017. Their goal is to protect 350,000 hectares of traditional territory. They face numerous challenges, including large infrastructure projects such as the paving of the BR-163 highway, the Teles Pires-Tapajós Waterway, and the Ferrogrão railway. These projects, designed to transport commodities, threaten to disrupt their lands and way of life.

Illegal mining poses another serious risk. In 2019, illegal deforestation in the Tapajós region reached record levels, with 10,500 hectares of forest destroyed. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened the situation, leaving Indigenous communities more vulnerable and reducing state oversight.

Building a Stronger Future

This training marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Tupinambá’s ability to defend their lands. With the  support of Treesistance and with the a special thanks to Nordeq Management, a Danish advisory firm (who sponsored the formation), the community is building a network of Indigenous forest guardians dedicated to protecting the old growth forest in this region.

The determination and courage of the Tupinambá people are inspiring. Their efforts to safeguard their culture and territory against all odds serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and self-determination. Together, they are building a brighter future for their community and the generations to come.

Groep Forest Guardians opgericht in Cobra Grande

Posted on by Anja Bimmel

Successful formation new forest guardians group

This July we supported the successful formation of another group of forest guardians. The training involved 3 Indigenous groups: Arapiun, Jaraqui and Tapajo and was carried out in the Cobra Grande, meaning Big Snake, Indigenous Territory. The people of this area are faced with invaders interested in planting soybeans, raising cattle, illegally extracting timber, and engaging in predatory hunting and fishing. Now that the formation of a local group of forest guardians is complete, the Indigenous people in the area now have more tools and knowledge to protect their lands from illegal invaders.


Training new forest guardians

The training was led by the Treesistance Head of Forest Guardians program Chief Dadá Borari and selected members of the Maró Indigenous Territory and was made possible by the Dutch law firm Synergy Business Lawyers, who sponsored the formation. More than 50 individuals were successfully trained and are already working in the field.

The training included discussions on safe confrontation techniques, presentations on territorial defense and using technology in the field. Skills that are unfortunately a necessity in an area that has had a troubled history with non-indigenous people trying to exploit their land at the cost of the environment and the Indigenous People that try to defend it.

Group training forest guardians: using technology in the field.



















Threats to the Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory and People

The Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory is located in the municipality of Santarem, on the banks of the Arapiun River. This river springs from the Tapajos and Amazon river. For more than 20 years FUNAI (National Indian Foundation Brazil) has been working to demarcate the territory. Unfortunately due to circumstances like missing cartographic and land studies the process has taken longer than hoped. Due to this delay in demarcating their lands, the people of the Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory are faced with numerous invaders. This caused many conflicts between indigenous and non-indigenous people. So much so that cases of violence and discrimination against indigenous people led the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office to request that an investigation be opened by the Federal Police.*

Another problem faced by the indigenous people, with the delay in demarcation, was the creation of an agro-extractive settlement by INCRA – National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform, which overlaps their lands. But thankfully that issue is resolved with the delimitation of the Cobra Grande TI, which has 8,906 hectares on the left bank of the lower course of the Arapiuns River.

*Update – On September 5th 2024, the Ministry of Justice signed a decree to formally recognize the Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory


Welcome and specials thanks

We welcome the new group of forest guardians and wish them lots of strength and wisdom in the challenges that they face. Also we would like to give a special thanks to the Dutch law firm Synergy Business Lawyers for sponsoring this formation.

Empowering the Munduruku & Maytapu

Posted on by Elli

In July 2024, Chief Dadá Borari, leader of the Treesistance Forest Guardians program, organized an important training session for the Munduruku Cara Preta and Maytapu communities in Pinhel and Escrivão. These communities, located on the banks of the Tapajós River in Aveiro, a municipality covering 17,158 km² and home to around 15,000 inhabitants, came together to strengthen their defense against external threats to their lands.

The training, attended by over 50 participants, focused on territorial defense, map creation, and fieldwork using mobile phones and GPS cameras. This initiative, supported by members of the Maró Indigenous Territory, is a critical step in safeguarding the region from illegal activities such as mining and deforestation, and large infrastructure projects like the BR-163 highway.

Historical Context: Fordlândia and the Tapajós River

Not far from these communities lies Fordlândia, a failed rubber plantation project funded by Henry Ford from 1927 to 1945. Though the project ultimately failed, it serves as a reminder of external attempts to industrialize the Amazon and the lasting pressures on the region’s natural resources.

A United Front for the Future

With the support of Treesistance, the Munduruku Cara Preta and Maytapu communities are enhancing their ability to protect their land and culture. This training marks a significant step in their ongoing efforts to preserve their territory for future generations, blending modern tools with their ancestral wisdom.

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