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| The moment of first contact between four Ayoreo-Totobiegosode men and the outside world in 2004. © GAT / Survival |
A Brazilian company devastating the territory of uncontacted Indians in Paraguay has had its licence to work in the area withdrawn.
The decision was announced yesterday by Paraguay’s National Environment Council (CONAM). It comes after satellite photos revealed the destruction of the Indians’ land, widespread condemnation in Paraguay, increasing media coverage of the issue around the world, and hundreds of letters from Survival supporters to the Paraguayan government.
Whether CONAM’s decision will actually stop the devastation remains to be seen. A government team recently tried to inspect the area, but personnel from the company, Yaguarete Pora, barred it from entering. Another government team is visiting the area today.
The Indians, from the Ayoreo-Totobiegosode tribe, are the only uncontacted people in South America outside the Amazon basin. Yaguarete want their land to graze cattle for beef.
Act now to help the Ayoreo
Write a letter to the Paraguayan parliament using Survival’s online letter-writing tool.
Donate to the Ayoreo campaign (and other Survival campaigns).
Write a letter to your MP or MEP (UK).
Write to the President, your senators, congressmen or other elected officials (US).
Write to your local Paraguayan embassy (you can find their address through embassiesabroad.com)
