This year, Amazon Watch had the privilege of participating in the 11th Pan-Amazonian Social Forum (FOSPA), an autonomous and independent space formed by movements, social organizations, and Indigenous peoples from the nine countries of the Amazon basin.

Being invited to this event was both an honor and a challenge, given the escalating violence from the mining industry in the region.

Our presence was crucial in warning about the dangers of increasing mining in the region, and the coalition endorsed our proposal to declare the Amazon a “No-Go Zone” for extractive industries.

The sense of connection with the people and nature during the forum was profound, and the energy and hopefulness that emerged from this gathering renewed our commitment to defending these sacred places.