Observatory reports presence of invaders close to isolated indigenous people in Vale do Javari, in Amazonas

Aerial view of the Itacoaí River, in the Vale do Javari Indigenous Land. (Photo: Bruno Kelly)

The Observatory of Human Rights of Isolated and Recently Contacted Indigenous Peoples (Opi) alerted Funai about the presence of invaders in an area close to two records of isolated groups in the Vale do Javari Indigenous Land, in Amazonas. The organization reported this Monday that tracks were found by Marubo indigenous people from the upper Curuçá River region. The remains indicate that the invasion was by wild animal hunters for commercial purposes.

Opi points out that a group of families from the indigenous community found plastic bags of salt, boots and fiber bags in the first fortnight of this month. They were transporting an aluminum canoe to the Maronal village, along old paths that have existed since the 1940s, when they spotted the tracks of the invaders.

Known as an animal sanctuary, the place is strategic for animals as it contains mineral salts that complement the diet of countless species. This territory is a wandering corridor for isolated indigenous people.

According to the organization, groups in the region have already reported the presence of invaders in these areas of the Indigenous Land to Funai on several occasions, but no action has been taken. Another complaint from indigenous people is the advancement of agricultural activities in the south of the region.

The observatory points out that it is urgent to adopt permanent action strategies in this part of the Vale do Javari territory.

The information is from the newspaper O Globo.