We are almost at the end of this Indigenous April 2022, where more than 7 Indigenous people participated in the largest mobilization of the original peoples of Brazil, the Free Land Camp (ATL), held in Brasília (DF). During the days of struggle, Indigenous youth made their presence felt on specific agendas regarding issues that afflict young people inside and outside the villages. Walber Tembé, an important youth leader in the Alto Rio Guamá Indigenous Land (PA), spoke about the strategic role of young people in the ATL. "We come to make a difference, to join forces with our relatives," he stated.
When asked about the importance of youth participation in the ATL, Walber commented that it is a rewarding moment. “When we leave our villages, there are many expectations. Young people are eager to see the movement, to learn about the movement, and to be part of the movement. The ATL is a school for us, where we learn that our strength must always be collective,” he explained. During the days of mobilization in the federal capital, young, adult, and elder leaders discussed issues being debated in the National Congress that threaten Indigenous territories, such as Bill 191/2020, on Mining in Indigenous Lands. “As youth, we came to learn and contribute what we can,” said Walber. Your Indigenous Territory (TI) is one of six that make up the Gurupi Mosaic, a strategic alliance for the territorial protection of the TIs that are part of this set of protected areas fundamental to the socio-biodiversity of Eastern Amazonia. In addition to the Alto Rio Guamá TI, Walber's territory, the Gurupi Mosaic also includes the Alto Turiaçú, Araribóia, Caru, Rio Pindaré, and Awá TIs, as well as the Gurupi Biological Reserve. ISPN supports the integrated management of the Gurupi Mosaic through the project. Indigenous LandscapesThis initiative aims to contribute to indigenous environmental and territorial management strategies in the Gurupi Mosaic and the Timbira Territory. Its principle is to promote indigenous rights, their forms of socio-political organization, and the instruments of integrated indigenous management, which are fundamental for maintaining socio-biodiversity and the well-being of the peoples in these two territories (learn more below).
Regarding the coordination, Walber highlighted that the Mosaic strengthens territorial protection on several fronts, from protection against illegal mining and logging, to increasingly frequent wildfires. “The Alto Rio Guamá Indigenous Territory has been suffering greatly from wildfires. We see the Mosaic as a very powerful force, a strong shield to support the territories. For me, the Mosaic is essential within Indigenous territories,” he stated. Watch Walber Tembé's video commenting on ATL 2022 on ISPN's Instagram. [click here].
What is a mosaic?
In Brazil, a mosaic of protected areas is defined by law (Law 9.985/200), by the National System of Conservation Units. According to the official text, a mosaic is a "set of conservation units of different categories or not, close, juxtaposed or overlapping, and other public or private protected areas". When defined as a mosaic, this set begins to work through integrated and participatory management strategies, and the objectives considered must aim at the conservation of socio-biodiversity. In Brazil, there are 17 mosaics formalized by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA). The regularization process for Gurupi began in 2014 and has not yet been completed. This area encompasses six indigenous lands conserved by four peoples (Tembé, Awá-Guajá, Guajajara, and Ka'apor), located between eastern Pará and western Maranhão, a region under high threat from illegal logging, among other illicit activities.
Gurupi Mosaic in data:
- Comprising 6 Indigenous Territories and a biological reserve (Gurupi Biological Reserve);
- It is home to the largest area of Amazon rainforest in Maranhão;
- Large terrestrial and aquatic fauna;
- 46 endemic and endangered species, including the jaguar;
- Largest area of endemic species in Pará;
- 46,4 km² in area;
- Tembé, Awá-Guajá, Guajajara and Ka'apor peoples and traditional communities.
About the Indigenous Landscapes Project
The initiative aims to contribute to environmental and territorial management strategies in the Gurupi Mosaic and the Timbira Territory, both macro-landscapes essential for environmental conservation in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. The project is based on the principle of promoting indigenous rights, as well as their forms of socio-political organization and their integrated management instruments, fundamental for maintaining socio-biodiversity and well-being in these two territories. The project is carried out in partnership with the Indigenous Work Center (CTI) and the Nupef Institute. It has the support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) through the International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI).