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.
250,000 Afghan children need education, food and homes after returning from Pakistan, says NGO
Helping Women Villagers Embroider Better Lives
Rural Veterinarian Maintains Dual Role as Vet and Internet Celebrity in NW China's Ningxia
Xinjiang Story: Young Teacher Lights Path to Better Education for Rural Children
Arizona State starting quarterback Jaden Rashada enters transfer portal
Raphinha brace inspires Barca comeback win at PSG
Secrets of the workout queen of middle England: 51
Zhang ousted by Humbert at Monte Carlo Masters
Former Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Peter Barca announces new bid for Congress
Rural Veterinarian Maintains Dual Role as Vet and Internet Celebrity in NW China's Ningxia
China completes construction of record
Feature: Chinese Acupuncturists Earn Recognition, Respect from Algerians