Brazilian government data show deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has reached its highest level in over 15 years, increasing by 22% in the past year. At the recent U.N. climate summit, Brazil pledged to end and reverse deforestation by 2030.

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, a historic hearing was held this week in the Amazonian jungle over a plan to expand mining in the region, which Indigenous communities oppose and say cannot go ahead without free and informed consent. This is Waorani activist and 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize winner Nemonte Nenquimo. 

Nemonte Nenquimo: “After this hearing, we are hoping they will do the same thing in other Indigenous nations where there are similar cases which we’ve won, and we want it to be enforced. Decision-making in the territory is our decision.”