Raoni Metuktire, a leading Indigenous environmental advocate, is challenging President Lula’s support for an oil project in the Amazon. He plans to meet with Lula ahead of the COP30 climate conference to address Indigenous rights and the consequences of environmental degradation. Raoni’s lifelong fight for environmental protection and Indigenous issues continues to gain international attention as he prepares for significant discussions.
Raoni Metuktire, the prominent Brazilian environmental activist and leader of the Kayapo tribe, has voiced his opposition to the recent oil mega-project planned by Petrobras near the Amazon River. As Brazil prepares for the upcoming UN COP30 climate conference in Belem, Raoni is set to meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to advocate for halting the oil exploration initiative in the Equatorial Margin, which poses a significant threat to the environment.
Brazil’s environmental regulatory agency, IBAMA, is considering whether to issue Petrobras an exploration license. Despite the government’s ambition to position Brazil as a leader in climate action, President Lula supports oil exploration as instrumental to economic growth in the region. Raoni, recognized internationally for his activism since the 1980s, continues to advocate fiercely for Indigenous rights and environmental protection.
Having established the Raoni Institute for Indigenous rights, Raoni is expected to host Lula in early April for discussions about Indigenous territory demarcation and the detrimental impacts of environmental damage, including increased deforestation and polluted rivers. He expressed concerns over oil exploration’s negative consequences and emphasized the need for harmony with nature.
Raoni’s message for COP30 highlights the urgency to reach agreements to combat climate change: “I will speak with them to ensure they work to avoid a bigger problem in the future.” He denounced the past actions of President Lula, urging him not to repeat decisions that prioritize development over environmental preservation.
Expressing the direct effects of climate change on Indigenous communities, Raoni warned about the turmoil caused by environmental deterioration. He articulated a powerful vision wherein nature must be protected to ensure the thriving of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. With regards to the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, he does not shy away from criticism, labeling him as detrimental to humanitarian efforts in Brazil.
In summary, Raoni Metuktire is taking a decisive stand against the Petrobras oil project, seeking to engage with President Lula on issues vital to Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability, particularly as Brazil approaches a significant climate summit.
Raoni Metuktire’s commitment to Indigenous rights and environmental advocacy is underscored by his opposition to the Petrobras oil project. His upcoming meeting with President Lula reflects the critical dialogue needed to address both economic growth and environmental sustainability. With strong messages directed at climate change’s harmful repercussions, Raoni emphasizes the importance of preserving nature for all communities. His outspoken critique of past government actions and current political figures highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and ecological balance in Brazil.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
