We believe that the most effective way to defend the rainforest is to support and advance the rights of indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with its abundant biodiversity for millennia. Indigenous communities have the greatest stake in the long-term protection of the Amazon. They hold the wisdom and vision of environmental stewardship our industrial world desperately needs to ensure a sustainable future.

In the Amazon region of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, Amazon Watch is working directly with indigenous communities to build local capacity and advance the long-term protection of their lands. In partnership with indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, concerned shareholders and citizens, we utilize the following strategies:

Campaign to persuade decision-makers in corporations, international financial institutions and national governments to honor the rights of indigenous peoples to free, prior and informed consent over “development” decisions in their territories and to fund full cleanup of areas devastated by past and current oil drilling. We use media exposure, legal action and shareholder campaigns to demand corporate social and environmental accountability.

Strengthen capacity in indigenous communities and organizations in the Amazon to defend their rights in local, national and international forums. Through legal, advocacy, media and technology training and the donation of equipment, we help our indigenous partners assert their collective and territorial rights and advance an alternative vision for conservation-based development of their territories.

Seek permanent protection for threatened areas and vulnerable indigenous populations in the Amazon rainforest. In partnership with national governments and ally organizations in South America, we promote new, sustainable alternatives to resource extraction-based economic development.

Educate corporate executives, shareholders, public officials and the general public using media coverage, websites, publications, documentary films and dialogue. By building awareness and promoting green economic alternatives to the current export-oriented fossil fuel based development model, we are helping to bring about a paradigm shift within key institutions and society.