Protecting Rainforests Together: An Alliance Across Brazil and Britain to Restore the Earth's Green Lungs
In the heart of Devon's Dart Valley, history was made at the end of April as indigenous leaders from the Amazon joined staff from the Woodland Trust at Buckland Wood. This 100-hectare (247-acre) swathe of temperate rainforest, one of two locations in the UK with an internationally rare lichen, could support threatened species such as bats, otters, and dormice.
The visit began with traditional prayers from the Asháninka people, who live on the Brazilian-Peruvian border. Alexandrina Piyãko, a spiritual leader from the Asha̚inka, emphasised the importance of restoring people's relationships with nature as a crucial aspect of land restoration. Piyãko stated that restoring nature is not an easy task, but believes it to be a good first step.
Alexandrina Piñyako, an Indigenous leader and activist known for advocating Indigenous rights and environmental protection, with a background rooted in her community's cultural heritage, was also present. She and other indigenous leaders from the Amazon travelled to the UK to show global solidarity on rainforest restoration.
The group shared discussions of hope and solidarity during their transcontinental visit. The visit further highlighted the common issues of forest fragmentation faced by rainforests in the UK and South America. Representatives from communities including the Asháinka and Guarani were also present.
Images from the event were captured by Lee Magpie Photography. The visit served as an opportunity for the exchange of wisdom between the Guarani and Asháinka communities and the Woodland Trust staff. Sam Manning, the Woodland Trust's rainforest recovery project officer, found the visit emotionally moving and inspiring.
The Woodland Trust has launched a £2.8m appeal to buy and restore Buckland Wood. The visit underscored the importance of such initiatives in preserving and restoring rainforests, not just in the Amazon but also in the UK. The common issues faced by rainforests in the UK and South America, such as fragmentation, were brought to the forefront during the discussions.
This visit marks a significant step towards global collaboration in the fight for rainforest preservation and restoration. It serves as a testament to the power of unity and shared knowledge in addressing the challenges faced by our planet's most vital ecosystems.
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