News archive August 2017

(6) August 2017

Philippine palm oil plan ‘equals corruption and land-grabbing,’ critics say

With its renewed promotion of what it calls the “Sunshine Industry,” the Philippine government is looking to cultivate another one million hectares of oil palm, 98 percent of which would be on the island of Mindanao. Critics worry expansion of the country’s palm oil industry will benefit large companies at the expense of small farmers, forests, and water quality. (Miller / Mongabay)

Peru tribal leaders vow to halt oil output unless indigenous rights respected

Amazon leaders accuse government of blocking consultation on 30-year contract with Canadian oil firm and give ministers 20 days to apply law (Collyns / The Guardian)

International investment blamed for violence and oppression in Sarawak

Representatives of a palm oil plantation company were charged with the murder of land rights activist Bill Kayong, in Miri, Sarawak last year, but were later acquitted. Their acquittal was denounced by many observers, who see it as yet another blow against indigenous communities in the fight for their land. (Denton / Mongabay)

Brazil’s Indians on the march in last ditch effort to stop land theft

Brazilian Supreme Court rulings that will help determine the legality of the marco temporal are expected this Wednesday, 16 August. (Branford / Mongabay)

Tata Genaro Ramírez: The Farmer Who Revived the Nawat Language in El Salvador

The Nawat speaking community in El Salvador lamented the passing of Genaro Ramírez, the Salvadorean who dreamed that the Nawat would still live and dedicated his life to revitalise his ancestral language. (Global Voices)

Brazil’s Temer threatens constitutional indigenous land rights

A storm of protest greeted the 19 July announcement that Brazilian President Michel Temer has approved a recommendation made by the Attorney General’s office (AGU), that federal government bodies should adopt new criteria for setting the boundaries of indigenous land. (Branford & Torres / Mongabay)