the deputies approve a project limiting the demarcation of indigenous lands, against the opinion of Lula

A setback for Lula. Brazilian deputies voted on Tuesday May 31 a bill limiting the demarcation of indigenous lands. This text, approved by 283 votes against 155, establishes that the natives are only entitled to the lands they occupied at the time of the promulgation of the 1988 Constitution. A thesis rejected by the natives, who argue that they do not did not occupy certain lands in 1988 because they had been driven out over the centuries, particularly during the military dictatorship (1964-1985).

The bill, which still has to go to the Senate before it takes effect, was promoted by pro-agribusiness lawmakers and other opposition groups. His approval by the lower house is a setback for Lula. Returning to power earlier this year, the left-wing president has pledged to make environmental conservation a priority, after four years of a sharp rise in deforestation under his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro. (2019-2022).

According to scientists, the demarcation of indigenous lands is a key barrier against deforestation of the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world. Project approval “puts an end to hope for the future”Brazilian Minister of Indigenous Peoples Sonia Guajajara said on Tuesday. “This is a genocide against indigenous peoples, but also an attack on the environment”, she added.