Deforestation of the Amazon has slowed down in recent years, starting from 2004. Where it mainly stopped was at the borders of the indigenous tribes land. The destruction goes all around this area, but doesn't penetrate it. This green oasis is made up of 10 indigenous territories, and is home to around 7,000 Kayapo Indians and 5,500 other Indians from 14 different groups.
The Kayapo fought for an won official recognition of their land in the 1980's and 90's, which stops ranchers, loggers and miners from destroying their homeland. However this area of the rainforest lacks proper governance, and there are often violent conflicts over land, illegal logging, and gold mining to name a few. The laws that stand aren't enough to protect the indigenous people and their land.
To win the right to their land, indigenous tribes have staged protests, pressured the government and fought on the ground. Others formed alliances with environmental and indigenous-rights organisations, which helped them form their own nongovernmental organisations, so they can enlist further outside backing.
Nongovernmental organisations have helped the Kayapo become more economically sufficient, such as by starting a program to help them harvest and sell Brasil nuts, giving families income and reducing pressure to allow in loggers and miners in exchange for money.
Agriculture, mining and logging lobbies in Brasil are challenging amendments to the 1988 constitution that would remove legal protections from indigenous land.
Nongovernment organisations protecting the Amazon and indigenous rights in Brasil:
- The Kayapo Project
- Instituto Socioambiental
- Planete Amazone
International nongovernment organisations working to save the Amazon rainforest in various countries:
- Amazon conservation team
- Amazon watch
- Conservation International
- Greenpeace
- World Wildlife Fund
- Survival International
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