Prince William is set to announce a new partnership for nature’s protectors in a speech at the United for Wildlife Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The initiative, which aims to support indigenous people and environmental defenders in Brazil, will build on the success of the ranger insurance package announced in South Africa in 2024.
William unveiled the package of support for rangers and nature protectors across Africa last year, at the United for Wildlife Summit in Cape Town.
The five-year package was established to provide 10,000 rangers access to appropriate, affordable in-service and medical evacuation insurance cover.
The prince unveiled the package of support for rangers and nature protectors across Africa last year
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GETTYWithin a year of the rollout, the programme has insured more than 6,000 rangers across Africa.
The prince’s commitment to nature’s protectors is being extended in a new initiative for Brazil, where the Amazon faces the crises of accelerating environmental damage and violence against the people trying to protect it.
Environmental crime is valued at $281billion (£213.8million) annually, and an estimated 91 per cent of Amazon forest loss is linked to illegal activities.
Thousands of people pushing for environmental protection over the past decade have gone missing or lost their lives, with indigenous communities being targeted.
The Prince of Wales said: ‘If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and restoring nature, we must stand with those who defend it’
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PAThe Prince of Wales said: “Indigenous Peoples and local communities have long been protectors of the world’s most critical ecosystems.
“But today, their lives are increasingly at risk, and their lands are under mounting threats.
“If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and restoring nature, we must stand with those who defend it.
“Building on the success of our ranger support package, we’re extending this with a new partnership to protect and assist Brazil’s frontline defenders.”
The prince will outline further details of the partnership later today
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GETTYFurther details on the partnership will be laid out later today during the prince’s speech.
Over 400 partners from governments, the private sector, law enforcement, and NGOs will convene to draw global attention to the rise in environmental crime.
Law enforcement and CEOs are expected to make several other significant announcements at the summit.
The Prince of Wales shared his excitement ahead of the Earthshot Prize Awards tomorrow.
The Prince of Wales shared his excitement for the Earthshot Awards before departing for Rio de Janeiro
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PAThe Earthshot Prize “searches the world for environmental solutions that show the greatest potential”.
It aims to find 50 solutions to the world’s biggest climate issues as he aims to make a better world for his children.
The prize launched in 2020 and is now heading into its fifth year.
Following the event, the prince will head to the COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, on November 6.
William will be joined by Sir Keir Starmer at Cop30, as he looks to re-establish the UK as “a global leader for climate action and green growth”, according to the Prime Minister’s spokesman.