Brazilian Cattle Ranchers Ask to Destroy Forest Lands of Uncontacted Tribe

In yet another battle between ranchers and indigenous peoples of South America, a cattle ranching company is set to destroy the forest where one of the last ‘uncontacted’ tribes in the world live. Survival International reports that the company, Yaguarete Pora S.A., requested permission from the Paraguayan government to tear down the forest on the Ayoreo-Totobiegosode Indians’ land.

From Twilight Earth:

“We urge Paraguay’s government not to allow Yaguarete to work on the Totobiegosode’s land. To do so would violate their rights under international law and the UN’s Declaration on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, and may well destroy them as a people.” – Stephen Corry, director of Survival

The cattle company, Yaguarete Pora S.A., already own the land, but their license to work the area was rescinded by the government after satellite photos showing the destruction of the forest were published last year. The company also kept an investigative team from Paraguay’s Environment Ministry out of the area, adding to the questions many local organizations have about the impact of Yaguarete’s business on the forest.

A local support group for the tribe, GAT, said, “The Environment Ministry must not grant a new licence to Yaguarete. If it does, the last of the uncontacted Totobiegosode could be wiped out.”

It’s not a done deal – yet. The Paraguayan government has yet to respond. But, unfortunately, South American countries struggling to improve their economies tend to side with business when it comes to issues like this.

Survival International is working to protect tribal peoples and their land, and they need our help. Please consider donating even a small amount to help them in this battle.

Link [Twilight Earth] + [Survival International]

Photo credit: Survival International

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