Alessandra Korap Munduruku, who led a movement that forced mining corporations to recognise the indigenous territory of her people in the Amazon rainforest, has been honoured with the Goldman Environmental Prize. She is one of six recipients from various parts of the world to be awarded the prize in 2023, which recognises the achievements and leadership of grassroots environmental activists and is presented by the Goldman Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco.Alessandra Korap Munduruku: 2023 #GoldmanPrize winner from Brazil 🏆🌍Learn more about @Alkorap1: https://t.co/Zh9s0WUPYm pic.twitter.com/1bciDCpJYC— Goldman Prize (@goldmanprize) April 25, 2023Voice of the voicelessAccording to the organisation, Anglo American (AAL.L) pledged in May 2021 to withdraw 27 authorised research applications for mining in indigenous regions, including Alessandra Mundurukus Sawré Muybu territory, a 400,000-acre rainforest along the Tapajos River. Alessandra said that the award honours their fight and conveys a statement to the world that “we exist” and that multinational corporations must speak with the indigenous population before accessing their lands. In recent years, the British mining corporation has worked with the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples Association (APIB) and environmental NGO Amazon Watch to resolve their issues.Anglo-American responded that it does not have exploration licences in Brazils main forest regions or indigenous territory and that it has no ambitions to do so. According to the reports, several large mining corporations said that they would renounce exploration permits on indigenous territory in Brazil, following the path of Anglo-American, which was confirmed by the Brazilian mining organisation Ibram. An Ibram representative stated that none of its 130 firms had mining applications in indigenous territories in the last year.Why is this honour so importantThe Goldman Foundation stated in its press release that Alessandras successful campaign resulted in a major shift in private sector accountability for destructive mining practices in Brazil, especially during the term of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who cut environmental protections and promoted commercial mining and agriculture on indigenous lands.Jair Bolsonaro (Former President of Brazil)The decision by mining firms to stop exploring Munduruku territories was a massive achievement, but Alessandra Korap Munduruku, the Goldman Environmental Prize laureate, emphasised the growing threat of illicit gold miners in her territory. During the Bolsonaro administration, there was a boom in illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest, and forest devastation reached its peak in 15 years, which is still a great threat to the countrys environment.Despite the withdrawal of mining corporations, the Sawré Muybu region, where Alessandras people live, remains vulnerable to miners because it has not yet been officially recognised as an indigenous reservation. In light of this, she has urged President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas new leftist government to take swift action to formally recognise the area.Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (President of Brazil)Alessandra, 38, intends to use the award money to finish her law degree, which she believes will help her protect the rights of Indigenous people, especially those in her town. Her dedication to fighting for her peoples rights and safeguarding the Amazon rainforest inspires grassroots environmental activists around the world.
