Yanomami Youth Empowered with Drones to Monitor Indigenous Territory

The Yanomami Indigenous community in Brazil is training youth to use drones for monitoring their vast territory against illegal mining. The initiative, spearheaded by the Hutukara Yanomami Association, emerged from the need for territorial protection following years of governmental neglect. With the recent change in presidency, improvements in protections for Indigenous lands are being implemented, bolstered by community-driven drone surveillance efforts that enhance environmental safeguarding and cultural preservation.

The Yanomami Indigenous community, located in Brazil’s Amazon, is taking significant steps to monitor their vast territory, which is often at risk from illegal mining. This initiative, led by the Hutukara Yanomami Association, involves training the youth to utilize drones for surveillance and territorial protection against around 20,000 illegal miners who have invaded their lands. This project not only aims to safeguard their environment but also helps preserve their cultural heritage.

The Yanomami’s struggle against illegal miners has intensified over the past seven years, compounded by governmental inaction from the previous administration, which supported mining on Indigenous lands. Recognizing the urgency of their situation, the Hutukara Yanomami Association sought partnerships to develop a drone training project in 2021, which was influenced by insights gained at the COP26 climate summit. With financial support from international organizations such as CAFOD, the Yanomami youth now have the capability to monitor their land from the sky.

Through several workshops, young members of the Yanomami community have been trained as drone operators, enhancing their ability to observe illegal activities and report threats to their territory. Participants like Cidiclei Palimitheli and Alexandre Ye’kwana expressed their enthusiasm for learning drone operation and mapping skills, which empower them to assist in the protection of their land, crucial in the wake of ongoing threats from mining activities.

The political landscape shifted dramatically with the election of left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2023, who reversed policies favoring mining on Indigenous land and promised concerted efforts to evict illegal invaders. Despite these optimistic changes, ongoing resistance from miners has posed challenges, necessitating the continued efforts of the Yanomami community to protect their territory through strengthened monitoring capacities developed via drone technology.

The training program has expanded across functions, equipping young Yanomami operatives with advanced skills in drone usage and territorial mapping. The collaboration between Yanomami youth and professionals from organizations like the Indigenous Council of Roraima has proven beneficial, fostering a shared understanding and effective communication to plan territory management collaboratively. This proactive approach not only enhances environmental protection but also reinforces community cohesion and education.

The Yanomami community demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, embracing drone technology to combat illegal mining and protect their ancestral land. Their training initiatives empower youth to take an active role in monitoring their territory, significantly improving their capabilities to safeguard both their environment and cultural heritage. With the support of new governmental policies and continued training efforts, the future holds promise for the preservation of the Yanomami Indigenous Land.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com