Britain’s Prince William is set to unveil a new initiative in Brazil on Tuesday to support Indigenous communities and environmental activists who risk their lives protecting the Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest and most critical ecosystem.
The announcement comes as the Prince attends an awards ceremony for his multi-million-dollar environmental prize and leads a United for Wildlife summit in Rio de Janeiro.
In a statement released ahead of the event, William praised the courage of Amazonian defenders, saying they are vital to combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
“If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and restoring nature, we must stand with those who defend it,” he said.
The initiative will focus on strengthening protections for Indigenous land defenders and providing resources to local communities who face increasing threats from illegal logging, mining, and land grabbing.
It builds on a five-year financial package announced by the Prince last year in collaboration with partner organisations to give 10,000 wildlife rangers across Africa access to affordable insurance coverage.
Prince William’s United for Wildlife foundation noted that thousands of environmental activists have been killed or gone missing worldwide over the past decade, with Indigenous peoples in the Amazon among the most targeted.
William arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, marking his first visit to Brazil. His trip aims to highlight the royal family’s environmental causes and shift attention back to conservation efforts amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding his uncle, Prince Andrew.
Further details of the Brazil partnership are expected to be announced during the Prince’s keynote address at Tuesday’s United for Wildlife summit, which brings together global leaders, conservationists, and Indigenous representatives to strengthen international cooperation in protecting the planet’s most endangered natural habitats.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
