SAO PAULO (AP) — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday announced the creation of two new Indigenous territories for Brazil, bringing the total number of new reserves during this term to 10.
The Cacique Fontoura reserve will be in Mato Grosso state and the Aldeia Velha territory will be in Bahia state. They will cover a combined total area of almost 132 square miles (342 square kilometers).
Speaking at a ceremony in Brasilia, Lula’s said Indigenous peoples should be patient as he seeks to fulfill his pledge of creating 14 new territories.
Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, had encouraged widespread development of the Amazon — both legal and illegal — and made good on his pledge to not demarcate a single centimeter of additional Indigenous land.
Lula took office in 2023 pledging to change that, but Indigenous rights activists hoped he would move faster. Last year, he demarcated six territories in April and two more in September.
HKFP Lens: Hong Kong marks China's National Day with displays of patriotism, pyrotechnics
Israeli military reduces troops in southern Gaza, spokesperson says
Biden hosts Kishida in official visit as US, Japan bolster defense ties
Jets might have a tough call to make between a playmaker or protection at No. 10 in the NFL draft
'Major logistics exercise' to deliver humanitarian aid from NZ to Gaza
HK's West Kowloon arts hub to run out of funds in 2025: CEO
How electorate candidates funded their campaigns
Alabama lawmakers advance bill to strengthen state's weak open records law
Builders hope Resource Management Act change will speed up papakāinga developments
Commanders are in line to take a quarterback with the NFL draft's 2nd pick
Ukraine's Zelensky warns of dwindling air defence missiles