From Brazil to Britain: rainforest guardians unite in a bid to heal the land

From Brazil to Britain: rainforest guardians unite in a bid to heal the land

Indigenous leaders from the Amazon region have made a significant journey to Dartmoor in the United Kingdom, showcasing global unity in efforts for rainforest restoration. The Woodland Trust, along with representatives from communities such as the Asháninka and Guarani, came together in Buckland Wood, a sizeable area of temperate rainforest located in Devon’s Dart Valley. This gathering comes as the trust reveals a fundraising appeal of £2.8m to acquire the forest and support its revival. Notably, this habitat houses rare lichen species and has the potential to provide a sanctuary for threatened wildlife like bats, otters, and dormice.

The visit to Dartmoor was marked by discussions centered around hope and solidarity, with a focus on shared challenges faced by rainforests in both the UK and South America. Traditional prayers led by the Asháninka community, residing along the Brazilian-Peruvian border, set a spiritual tone for the gathering. A key message conveyed by Alexandrina Piyãko, a spiritual leader from the Asháninka, underscored the importance of restoring the land in conjunction with rebuilding people’s bond with nature. This sentiment reflects a belief that any environmental conservation efforts must be rooted in a profound connection to the natural world to thrive.

Following the visit in late April, Sam Manning, the rainforest recovery project officer at the Woodland Trust, expressed deep emotion and inspiration, particularly highlighting the profound insights shared by the Guarani and Asháninka leaders. Piyãko echoed Manning’s sentiments, emphasizing the challenging nature of nature restoration while emphasizing the significance of taking the initial steps towards this crucial endeavor. The event served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard our natural resources and foster harmonious relationships with the environment for a sustainable future.

Photo credit: Lee Magpie Photography

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