Raoni, the indigenous leader of Brazil, says he opposes drilling for oil in Amazonia

Raoni Metuktire of the Kayapo tribe, an indigenous leader, said that Brazil should not explore for oil reserves in the Amazon because it could have a dangerous impact on the local communities.

Raoni made his comments at Acampamento Terro Livre as the debate intensifies over Petrobras's bid to drill off the coast of Amapa in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, a sensitive area of the Amazonian State.

Raoni said, "I am against this oil project" days after meeting with Brazilian President Luiz inacio Lula da So. "I personally informed President Lula of my opposition, and that I will not accept the oil project in the Amazon."

Lula, who has fought to be seen as the champion of tropical forests around the world and Brazil's Indigenous Peoples, has also stated that the country must be allowed to drill in the environmentally sensitive Foz do Amazonas Basin. He has criticised the Ibama, Brazil's environmental agency for delaying Petrobras in receiving a permit.

Raoni is an internationally recognized environmental activist who has spent decades campaigning for the environment. He was invited by Lula in January 2023 to stand with him as he took his oath of office for a third term.

Ibama refused Petrobras’ request in May 2023 for an offshore drilling licence for Foz do Amazonas citing environmental concerns. Later, it also raised concerns about the possible effects of drilling on Amapa's Indigenous community. The oil company has appealed the decision, but an Ibama final decision is still pending.

Foz do Amazonas is located in Brazil's Equatorial Margin and is considered to be the most promising oil frontier of Brazil. It shares geology with Guyana, which is nearby, where Exxon Mobil has developed huge oil fields.

(source: Reuters)