A Brazilian Amazon Expedition That Revitalizes, Protects, and Strengthens the Xipaya Indigenous Territory
On April 2, 2025, territory agents from the Xipaya Indigenous Land, together with members of the Kuruaya Indigenous Land and the Riozinho do Anfrísio Extractive Reserve, set out on a forest expedition driven by courage and resistance. This mission aimed to traverse the boundaries of the territory with an urgent purpose: to revitalize its borders, identify new areas for sustainable use (such as andiroba groves, copaiba stands, and Brazil nut trees), and combat illegal activities that threaten the rainforest and its people.
Covering 179,000 hectares, the Xipaya Territory had 68 kilometers of its perimeter surveyed, where evidence of environmental crimes was found—such as illegal logging, with trees marked for felling and the sound of chainsaws—as well as signs of mining near the boundaries with the Altamira National Forest.
After 43 days, the expedition members returned not only with records of these threats and the natural beauty they encountered, but also with a renewed certainty: protecting the forest is protecting life.
This expedition is the result of the unity and resistance of the Xipaya people, carried out by the Indigenous Association Pyjahyry Xipaia (AIPHX) under the project “Environmental and territorial management in the Xipaya Indigenous Land as a strategy to strengthen the protection and sustainable management of resources.” The project is funded by the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility and also supported by partners that bolster this struggle, including: Juma Institute, SAMA-HIH, Brazil’s National Indigenous Foundation, Instituto Socioambiental, the Forest Management, Technologies, and Amazonian Communities Lab at the Federal University of Pará Altamira Campus, and the Special Indigenous Health District.
“AIPHX extends deep gratitude to every warrior who took part in this mission, once again reaffirming its commitment to defending the forest, traditional knowledge, and the fight against social and environmental injustices. Every step taken reinforces the dedication to preserving biodiversity, culture, and the autonomy of the Xipaya people—an action like this renews our hope and determination.” AIPHX Team.
With thanks to AIPHX for the words and photos, see original article published by AIPHX.
Photos by: Yjapyka Xipaya, Sekamena youth communicator from Tukamã village, Xipaya Indigenous Territory.