After a 20-year legal struggle to secure their traditional lands, five indigenous groups who reside on the Raposa Serra do Sol reserve in the northern Brazilian state of Roraima are celebrating a momentous ruling that recognizes the demarcation and protection of their territory.
The four-million-acre reserve is home to 19,000 indigenous peoples—the Makuxi, Wapixana, Ingariko, Taurepand and Patamona—who for years have suffered acts of violence and intimidation from non-indigenous rice farmers operating on their lands. In addition, the farmers’ agricultural methods wreaked havoc on the environment, threatening the livelihoods of the indigenous communities.
The final March 19th ruling follows a December 2008 court decision to uphold a presidential ratification of the reserve. The final ruling was delayed when one of the judges requested more time to review the case. This month, the court voted 10 to 1 to approve the Raposa Serra do Sol reserve.
This victory is the result of unwavering pressure and committed leadership from indigenous groups in the area to protect their peoples’ rights. Support for groups including the Indigenous Council of Roraima, and the National Committee in Defense of Raposa Serra do Sol Indigenous Land by both Greengrants and our partner, the Center of Socio-Environmental Support (CASA) in Brazil, enabled local indigenous leaders to launch an international campaign and participate in decision-making processes that helped shape the outcome of this precedent-setting ruling.
Congratulations to the indigenous communities of Raposa Serra do Sol and their partners. This final ruling marks a significant success and gives indigenous groups throughout Brazil new hope for asserting their own rights.
To read the announcement in the New York Times click here.