What is the main environmental threat facing the Menino Jesus community?

The community is threatened by a proposed 200-hectare landfill site intended for waste from multiple municipalities.

Who are the quilombola people of Brazil?

Quilombolas are descendants of formerly enslaved Africans who established communities in Brazil, often in remote areas, preserving their culture and way of life.

How does the Cop30 summit relate to the quilombola community's issues?

The quilombola community feels their concerns are overlooked by the global climate discussions at Cop30, despite their role as forest guardians.

Home / Environment / Voices Silenced: Brazil's Quilombolas Demand Recognition

Voices Silenced: Brazil's Quilombolas Demand Recognition

1 Dec

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Summary

Afro-descendant community faces a proposed landfill threatening their ancestral land.
Quilombolas, descendants of enslaved people, fight for recognition and land rights.
Despite climate summit focus, their local environmental concerns remain unheard.

Voices Silenced: Brazil's Quilombolas Demand Recognition

A quilombola community, Menino Jesus, located a short boat ride from the recent Cop30 climate summit venue, voices concerns about being ignored. This Afro-descendant community, descended from escaped enslaved people, has lived in harmony with the Amazonian forest for generations. They are now battling a proposed 200-hectare landfill site that threatens their way of life and agricultural products.

Despite scientific evidence showing their lands boast exceptional biodiversity and lower deforestation rates, quilombolas struggle for political recognition and land rights. While Brazil's abolition of chattel slavery occurred in 1888, only a small percentage of quilombola communities possess secure land tenure. This vulnerability makes them susceptible to external threats like the proposed landfill.