Brazilian President Lula da Silva signed a demarcation that recognizes six new indigenous reserves and bans mining and commercial farming on the properties. Indigenous leaders are thrilled that they have an increased area of protected land, but are hoping for more reserves going forward. Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has taken a toll on indigenous populations in recent years and contributes to climate change. Lula’s presidential decree allows the indigenous communities to have exclusive access to the natural resources on the reserves and prevents further deforestation from destroying their land. President Lula signed the agreement at a gathering with indigenous leaders from all over Brazil, where he emphasized his commitment to the preservation of indigenous lands.
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