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Peruvian group calls for protection against illegal loggers

Indigenous leaders from Peru's Amazon region say they're still waiting for government protection from illegal loggers.

A group of Ashaninka people
A group of Ashaninka people Source: Getty Images

(Transcript from World News Radio)

 

Indigenous leaders from Peru's Amazon region say they're still waiting for government protection from illegal loggers.

 

It comes just three months after Peru pledged help for Indigenous groups during United Nations climate talks.

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Santilla Chingaipe has the details.

 

(Click on audio tab to listen to this item)

 

The Ashaninka are one of the largest indigenous groups in South America.

 

But in some areas they're feeling endangered.

 

One group of Ashaninka people with serious concerns lives in the Saweto area of Peru, on the upper reaches of the Alto Tamaya River, bordering Brazil.

 

They've called on Peruvian authorities to do more to protect them.

 

Last year, four Ashaninka activists were killed after they denounced illegal logging.

 

During a protest at the UN's climate talks in Peru in December, family members demanded justice - and protection from illegal loggers.

 

At the time, Peru's Prime Minister Ana Jara promised a thorough and vigorous investigation.

 

Ergilia Rengifo's husband, Jorge Rios, was one of the activists killed.

 

She says little has changed since then.

 

"(through translation) We still have a lot of problems and threats (from loggers) in the community. They're (loggers) still cutting down trees. We want land titles, that's urgent. That's what we're asking."

 

American philanthropist Alexander Soros recently met with village leaders.

 

He says he is concerned to see the practice is continuing.

 

"And while it's very promising that the land is in the process of being titled, it is still an uphill battle. I was quite disappointed to see that the illegal loggers still have a constant presence around and often times in the community. That the community feels intimidated. The police are ineffectual."

 

Environmental group Global Witness says Peru is the world's fourth most dangerous country for environmental activists after Brazil, Honduras and the Philippines.

 

It claims 57 activists have been killed since 2002

 

Director Patrick Alley says illegal logging is only part of what he's described as a "broader problem".

 

"Illegal logging is affecting the community as part of a broader problem that the region is essentially without strong government. It's pretty lawless, and the impression we had is that illegal logging has not declined. The community remains under threat - direct physical threat from the people involved."

 

 


3 min read

Published

Updated

By Santilla Chingaipe


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