Case study: Protecting the Amazon rainforest
"We're going to build, we're going to organise our village so that people can once again live, breathe fresh air and be free" Maria do Socorro Apurina, Amazonas Brazil
In recent years, the communities that live in the Amazon rainforest have struggled to resist threats to their lives and livelihoods from mining, hydro-electric dams, farming and logging operations.
"The impact of the mining company's operations has been disastrous," says Jose Horlando Araujo, a community leader from the Amazon state of Marnanhao. "There are 380 wagons in each train and they go through our town every 20 minutes. We suffer constant abuse."
Isolated from one another and following differing customs and cultures, the communities have so far struggled to present a united front to defend their rights. CAFOD is working with these indigenous and rural communities to help them work together, stand up for justice and protect this unique ecosystem.
This gift will enable CAFOD to support work with threatened, isolated communities, training people to protect their land and human rights. Maria do Socorro Apurina, leader of the group, 'Indigenous Women of Medio Rio Purus', is confident for the future: "Let's have a voice to say we are now in a country where we can breathe fresh air."