Brazil Begins Demarcation of Pardo River Territory to Safeguard Kawahiva People The Brazilian government has initiated the demarcation of the Pardo River Kawahiva Indigenous territory, a critical step aimed at protecting one of the Amazon’s most vulnerable uncontacted communities. The process, confirmed by the National Indigenous Peoples’ Foundation (Funai), involves marking 410,000 hectares of land straddling the states of Amazonas and Mato Grosso. This marks a significant milestone in a long-delayed effort that has faced obstacles for over 27 years. The move is intended to establish a physical barrier against illegal logging, mining, and the expansion of industrial agriculture, which have posed severe threats to the Kawahiva people. The Kawahiva, a nomadic hunter-gatherer community, were first formally identified by specialists in 1999. Despite their remote existence, the group has faced persistent dangers from land encroachment and armed groups. Anthropologists note that the community has shown resilience, surviving in the deep forest despite these threats. Establishing clearly defined natural sanctuaries is seen as essential to safeguard the approximately 290 Kawahiva individuals from economic exploitation. Funai agents, including Jair Candor, have played a key role in identifying and protecting the community, according to campaigners. Indigenous leader Beto Marubo, from the Javari valley, emphasized the importance of recognizing Funai’s role in Brazil’s territorial management. He stated, “Funai needs to be valued by Brazil as a body responsible for about 14% of the national territory.#brazil #funai #jair_candor #pardo_river_kawahiva #betomarubo
