Aim
To combat deforestation in the Amazon and seek enforcement of the land rights of indigenous peoples living there, while calling to account companies, investors, governments and agri-businesses that abuse their power to profit from destroying the rainforest.
Where
Brazil, Ecuador and Peru
Why
Rainforests provide us with oxygen and fresh water, store greenhouse gases and help keep the planet cool. Over 150 million indigenous people are dependent on the forests where they have lived for centuries. Yet these forests are being destroyed by the hour by unfettered logging (legal and illegal), the expansion of arable land and extractive industries. Non-indigenous small-scale farmers in or near the forest are also threatened by the advance of large-scale agriculture and mining companies.
How
All Eyes on the Amazon combines the forces of environmental and human rights activists, state-of-the-art-technology, international law and the knowledge of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. Radar satellite technology, drones and evidence from local communities pinpoint when and where deforestation takes place and help investigate those responsible. Partners and indigenous communities are trained to use this technology, as well as how to start (international) lawsuits and mobilize the public through (worldwide) campaigns. All partners take coordinated action to stop those destroying the forest.
Results so far
The program has made a final selection of nine locations based on a set of technical and financial criteria: three each in Brazil, Ecuador and Peru – altogether almost 8 million hectares (80,000 km2). The implementation phase is now starting with the program’s 11 coalition partners and 15 local organizations. Training, monitoring, and other needs have now been identified in meetings with indigenous communities in the selected locations. The first monitoring teams within the local communities are being trained to use and produce video as evidence in defending their rights and territories against external threats. They are also learning to use improved database management for environmental monitoring.
Period and budget
2017-2020, €14.8 million contribution from the Dutch National Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund
Initiators
Hivos and Greenpeace
Coalition partners
COICA, International Institute of Social Studies, Digital Democracy, World Resources Institute, University of Maryland, INTERPOL, Both ENDS, Witness and ARTICLE 19
