|
November 2011
Dear Friends,
It's an exciting time to be on the planet, working for a more just and harmonious world. As we enter the season of "Thanksgiving," it's important to reflect on all the positive change brought about by peoples' movements in 2011: From the indigenous movement in Bolivia where a 65-day march forced the cancellation of a new road in the rainforest, to the environmental movement that forced the delay of the Keystone XL pipeline, to the local communities of the Xingu River in Brazil who briefly occupied the Belo Monte Dam site, to the occupy movement around the world inspired by the movement for an Arab Spring, it continues to be an amazing year of hopeful change.
The planetary challenges we face require rapid and fundamental shifts that can only happen by joining together a diverse mosaic of movements. We invite you to join Amazon Watch in standing with the indigenous peoples movement in critical battles for justice and ecological balance. As we move into the holiday season, we ask you to consider a year-end donation and to explore other ways you can support our work, while making green energy and financial choices at the same time.
For the Earth and Future Generations,
Atossa Soltani
Executive Director
|
|
|
|
|
Brazil Campaigner Christian Poirier sends this dispatch from the field after witnessing a daring occupation of the massive Belo Monte Dam work camp and Trans-Amazon highway led by a coalition of indigenous peoples, local farmers, fisher folk, and members of social movements. On October 27th, protests paralyzed work on a portion of the dam complex, sending a strong signal that there is widespread resistance to the federal government’s plans to bulldoze the Xingu River and their rights.
LEARN MORE »
|
|
|
|
|
In solidarity with the Xingu Alive Forever Movement (MXVPS) in the Brazilian Amazon, Amazon Watch is organizing international house parties to support the battle to defend the Xingu River and the rights of local communities. We invite you to join us to harness the power of this critical moment to support those fighting to stop the Belo Monte Dam! Join caring people from around the world in organizing A Message from Pandora house party fundraiser to help raise critical funds and awareness. We’ll provide videos and all you need to host an event in a convenient tool kit.
SIGN UP NOW »
|
|
|
|
|
This month marks 18 years since the start of the landmark legal battle to hold Chevron (formerly Texaco) accountable for nearly 50 years of reckless pump and dump oil operations in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The company's operations led to abandoned oil pits still littered throughout the rainforest, billions of gallons of toxic wastewater dumped into rivers and streams, noxious flaring gases rising into the sky, towering black plumes of smoke from burning crude, and a public health crisis racking indigenous and mestizo farmer communities, including cancer, spontaneous miscarriages, and birth defects. In recognition of 18 years of fighting for justice, the Cofán recorded this heartfelt song for you.
WATCH VIDEO »
|
|
|
|
|
Delve into the lives of the indigenous rainforest guardians who call the Amazon their home and who know the forests intimately in this three-part series, The Privilege of Working with Indigenous Rainforest Guardians. Amazon Watch volunteer Hank Edson illuminates the critical importance of making the foundation of our activism a strong partnership with the indigenous peoples who still retain an authentic, sustainable connection to the ecosystems we hope to save, nurture and preserve.
READ BLOG »
|
|
|
|
|
In response to indigenous protests, last month Bolivian President Evo Morales canceled a controversial road project slated to slice through the pristine TIPNIS rainforest reserve. The road’s cancellation illustrates the growing power of indigenous movements on the continent. Over the course of 65 days, marchers braved cold, fatigue and even violent police repression. Undeterred, they garnered increasing national and international support as they walked to the country's capital La Paz and met with President Morales, eventually winning the cancellation of the road.
WATCH VIDEO »
|
|
|
