30 years after his first European visit, the Amazonian Chief Raoni visited Luxembourg on Monday and was received by prime minister Xavier Bettel.
Raoni is currently on a three-week trip across Europe.
Last week, Raoni met with French president Emmanuel Macron and also participated in the 'Fridays for Future' protest march in Brussels.
The 89-year old indigenous chieftain is known for his efforts to preserve the Xingu reserve in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. Raoni talked about his experience during a press conference in Brussels last week. Raoni advocates against forestry operations and farming businesses in the areas surrounding the national reserve.
He highlighted that Brazil's indigenous communities fear their habitat will be endangered by President Jair Bolsonaro's political regime. The latter had previously announced his intention to forcibly integrate the 800,000 Brazilian indigenous inhabitants through a number of policies taking away protection of indigenous lands. Bolsonaro intends to create better road and rail connections throughout the Amazon forest,effectively leading another forest to succumb to deforestation in favour of the food industry.
Chief Raoni Metuktire remains concerned about Brazil's and the Amazon's future. He summarised the current situation and climate ever since the new president was elected during his meeting with the Luxembourgish prime minister, who highlighted this point after the meeting concluded.
Bettel described the Amazon as a lung for the entire planet and emphasised Luxembourg's engagement in its preservation. He highlighted the importance of fighting together and continuing to support the people who are committed to the forest's preservation. Bettel announced that Luxembourg would offer €100,000 towards protecting the Amazon, as allocated from the country's climate and energy funds.
Symbolic figure: Xavier Bettel welcomes Brazilian Chief Raoni
