Brazil indigenous chief Raoni goes to Europe in defence of Amazon
13 May 2019 07:15AM
Kayapo ethnic group leader Raoni Metuktire attends a meeting with deputies to discuss
the rights of indigenous people at the National Congress in Brasilia, on Apr 25, 2019.
(AFP/Sergio LIMA)
RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil's legendary indigenous chief Raoni headed to Paris on Sunday (May 12) for the start of a three-week tour across Europe where he will meet heads of state, celebrities and the Pope to highlight growing threats to the Amazon.
The elderly Kayapo chief, internationally recognisable through his traditional lip plate and feather headdress, will seek to raise €1 million (US$1.1 million) to better protect the Amazon's Xingu reserve - home to many of Brazil's tribal peoples - from loggers, farmers and fire.
Raoni Metuktire, famous for his work campaigning in defense of Brazil's rainforest alongside personalities like pop star Sting, will be accompanied by three indigenous leaders from the Xingu.
They will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and environment minister Francois de Rugy before travelling to Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco and Italy where they will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican, according to the Paris-based Association Foret Vierge, or Virgin Forest Association, of which Raoni is honorary president.
Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/brazil-indigenous-chief-raoni-goes-to-europe-in-defence-of-11527086
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