Lula Creates New Indigenous Zones

Making good on campaign promises, President Lula da Silva of Brazil announced the creation of six new ancestral lands covering nearly 800 square miles, two of the largest are in the Amazon rainforest.  The creation of these ancestral regions protects them from commercial exploitation.  The zones remain under the control of the Brazilian government, but guarantees that indigenous may use the land in their traditional manners.  Mining is prohibited, and commercial farming and logging require specific permits.  The indigenous movement endorsed Lula's actions.  The government pledged to create fourteen new zones in January.  Leaders from those regions that missed receiving a demarcation, urged more action. 

The Amazonas state is the location of the largest demarcation.  Nadöb people's reserve is expanded by 37% to 2100 sq miles of primary rainforest.  It takes four days to travel from the main village to the nearest city by motorized canoe.  Their chief told the AP by telephone that the new designation will make his people feel safe and protected in their ancestral home.  Indigenous demarcation were halted under the government of Jair Balsonaro.  Studies have shown that indigenous preserved forest are the best preserved in the Brazilian Amazon. Under Balsonaro's government, deforestation grew by 195%.  The eastern Amazon rainforest destruction has become so extensive that it is now a net emitter of carbon dioxide instead of a carbon sink.