Raoni Metuktire, a Brazilian environmental leader, contests the government’s oil project at the Amazon’s mouth. With COP30 approaching, he seeks discussions with President Lula to promote Indigenous rights and environmental conservation. Raoni highlights the detrimental impacts of deforestation and climate change, advocating for harmony between humanity and nature while criticizing former President Bolsonaro’s policies.
Raoni Metuktire, a prominent Brazilian environmental activist and tribal leader, opposes the Brazilian government’s plans for an extensive oil project at the Amazon river’s mouth. As Brazil gears up to host UN’s COP30 climate talks in Belem this November, Raoni intends to convey his concerns directly to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during an upcoming meeting in the Amazon rainforest. This proposal involves state-controlled Petrobras seeking a license to explore oil drilling in the Equatorial Margin, raising significant environmental concerns despite Lula’s commitment to combating climate change.
Since the 1980s, Raoni, known for his activism against deforestation alongside international figures like the singer Sting, has been a persistent advocate for Indigenous rights amidst environmental degradation. He is recognized for his cultural symbols, including a traditional wooden lip plate. At around 90 years of age, Raoni has dedicated his life to protecting Indigenous communities impacted by deforestation and aims to prevent repeating historical oversights, such as the controversial Belo Monte dam project.
In his recent interview, Raoni expressed hopes for achieving beneficial discussions at COP30, urging global leaders to collaboratively address climate change challenges. He remarked on the destructive impact of environmental damage on Indigenous communities and stressed the spiritual connection between humanity and nature, highlighting a need for harmony and coexistence.
Raoni also shared alarming insights about the rise in deforestation and the pollution of essential rivers, which adversely affect both food sources and the very fabric of their way of life. He emphasized the dire consequences of climate change, warning that large cities experiencing extreme flooding serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to restore ecological balance.
Furthermore, Raoni criticized former President Jair Bolsonaro for his stance against climate change and human rights abuses toward Indigenous populations. He strongly supports the prospect of accountability for Bolsonaro’s alleged wrongdoings and expresses concern over the enduring influence of his political legacy in Brazil.
Raoni Metuktire’s commitment to environmental protection and Indigenous rights highlights a critical intersection in the fight against climate change. His efforts to engage President Lula in discussions surrounding the Amazon oil project reflect a broader call for sustainable practices that honor both nature and Indigenous communities. As Brazil approaches COP30, the outcomes of Raoni’s advocacy may shape future environmental policies and reinforce the essential balance between progress and preservation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
