Prince William has announced a groundbreaking partnership to protect indigenous communities in the Amazon as he vowed to extend his “growing Nature’s Protectors Initiative”.
The Prince of Wales’s model has already been hugely successful in Africa, seeing some 6,000 rangers rolled out across the continent in just a year.
Speaking at the United for Wildlife Summit in Rio de Janeiro, William said: “I am proud to announce a new partnership between the Royal Foundation, the Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), and the Podaali Fund – the first indigenous led fund covering the Brazilian Amazon.
“COIAB’s work has been critical to fighting for the indigenous peoples of the Brazilian Amazon. This initiative means working in partnership with those who know the land best.
The Prince of Wales said he is ‘proud to announce [the] new partnership’
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ANDREW PARSONS / KENSINGTON PALACE
“A partnership that will first focus on some of the most pressing issues: Expanding access to legal aid, establishing an emergency support fund to help those in immediate danger find safety, and work to raise awareness of indigenous peoples’ rights.
“This partnership will be guided by indigenous leadership, delivered through indigenous mechanisms, and focused on those most at risk, such as isolated communities, female indigenous leaders and those living near international borders.
“Because only by working together can we protect those protecting the future of our planet’s critical ecosystems.”
The Prince of Wales said the only way to protect the future of the planet’s critical ecosystems is “by working together”.
The Prince of Wales delivered a landmark speech at the summit
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ANDREW PARSONS / KENSINGTON PALACE
William continued: “These efforts form the central pillar of a growing Nature’s Protectors Initiative – ensuring that indigenous and local voices are central to the conservation of the forests, wildlife, and the climate we all depend on.
“And we are already seeing the impact of this work. Wildlife rangers do vital, but often, unrecognised work, and they are now doing one of the most dangerous jobs on earth.
“I committed that we would make sure 10,000 rangers were insured within five years.
“I’m pleased to announce today that we are well ahead on delivery, with more than 6,000 rangers insured within the first year alone.”
Prince William noted the success in Africa for the expansion of the modal
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ANDREW PARSONS / KENSINGTON PALACE
The Prince of Wales said he aims to “replicate this model around the world, so that more of nature’s protectors are properly supported to do their vital work”.
He continued: “When we look to the next five years of this crucial decade for our planet, I remain an optimist.
“Tomorrow night, here in Rio, the Earthshot Prize will honour some of the most inspiring people and solutions to our planet’s greatest challenges.
“Taken together, all these efforts show us what is possible when courage, creativity, and commitment come together.”
The Prince of Wales said he aims to ‘replicate this model around the world, so that more of nature’s protectors are properly supported to do their vital work’
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ANDREW PARSONS / KENSINGTON PALACE
Concluding his speech, William rallied those in attendance, saying: “Our task here today is clear. We must put a stop to the criminal networks driving environmental crime and destruction”.
The Prince of Wales added: “We must stand alongside those who, every day, are standing up and defending nature. We must recognise and celebrate these protectors, not just in words but through our actions. And we must act together.
“Governments, businesses and civil society – each must now step up and play their role in developing solutions, scaling support, and shifting resources to where they are needed most.
“As we look ahead to COP30 in the Amazon, let us carry our determination forward. United in purpose, bold in ambition, and unwavering in our commitment to a safer and healthier world.”