The Munduruku Indigenous People in the region of the middle Tapajós are facing a significant threat to their land due to the planned construction of the massive São Luiz do Tapajós dam. The Munduruku people have taken action by setting signs to demarcate their territory, which is crucial for their spiritual and cultural way of life. This territory, known as Savaré Muibu, spans 178,173 hectares and holds great significance for the Munduruku people as it is their ancestral land located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, along the Tapajós river basin.
For nearly twenty years, the Munduruku people have been fighting for their rights, with Greenpeace playing a key role in advocating for their cause since 2013. The Munduruku have been fighting against threats such as mining, illegal logging, and large infrastructure projects that endanger their land. The demarcation of their land means that the Ferrograo railway will not be built through their territory, and the Tapajós river will not be dammed for hydroelectric power. The planned dam, initially named after Saint Luiz, was marketed as environmentally friendly, but the Munduruku’s resistance has halted unauthorized construction and deforestation.
The demarcation process for Savaré Muibu began in 2007 but faced political obstacles in the Brazilian parliament due to economic and political lobbying from the mining industry. In 2014, the Munduruku people took matters into their own hands by marking their territory with signs and pushing back against the encroaching industries. This act had significant political implications and inspired other indigenous movements across Brazil to assert their autonomy and independence in their territories.
On September 29th of this year, Brazil’s Minister of Justice finally signed a decree to move forward with the demarcation process. This milestone was achieved through the strength, wisdom, and perseverance of the Munduruku people, who never stopped fighting for what rightfully belongs to them. Their efforts over 17 years also involved international pressure, with environmental and human rights organizations collaborating with Brazilian authorities. The Munduruku engaged in protests and demonstrations not only in Brazil but also at the United Nations and other international forums.
Greenpeace’s involvement in supporting the Munduruku since 2013 was driven by global environmental concerns about deforestation and dam construction in the Amazon rainforest. The decision to defend the Munduruku’s interests was not just about environmental impact but also about ethical commitment to respecting indigenous autonomy and self-determination. The fight for the forests and indigenous rights are intertwined and interconnected.
The demarcation of Savaré Muibu is a global victory that transcends borders. It reinforces the idea that with perseverance and solidarity, people around the world can protect the Amazon and the rainforests of Brazil. It underscores the importance of safeguarding forests globally to preserve our planet for future generations. The fight for the forests is multidimensional, encompassing not only South American forests but also those in Siberia, Africa, and Europe. It is a fight against deforestation, land grabbing, illegal extraction, and a fight for human rights and indigenous sovereignty. The demarcation of Savaré Muibu stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the ongoing battle to protect our planet’s precious natural resources.