In Brazil, VIVAT members are deeply engaged in defending the Amazon, protecting Indigenous and river communities, and promoting concrete ecological alternatives at the grassroots level. During the recent VIVAT Global Call, I shared some encouraging experiences and signs of hope emerging from our context.
Standing with Indigenous Peoples: A Victory on the Rio Tapajós
One of the most significant developments in recent months has been a powerful victory for Indigenous peoples in the Amazon region.
The federal government had authorized the deepening (dredging) of the Rio Tapajós to facilitate commercial navigation for large cargo ships. This project threatened to seriously damage the river’s flora and fauna, disrupt the lives and livelihoods of Indigenous peoples and river communities, and open the way for intensified extractivism and large-scale infrastructure projects at the expense of local populations.
Thanks to the firm and sustained resistance of Indigenous communities—supported by the Church and civil society organizations—the measure was revoked.
Our priests and sisters in the Santarém region closely accompanied the affected communities. Indigenous peoples maintained a peaceful yet visible protest by camping at the port of Santarém for one month. VIVAT-related congregations, especially those serving in the Amazon, stood in solidarity with them, helping amplify their demands and coordinate support through wider Church and advocacy networks.
This victory is a strong reminder that organized, persistent resistance can still protect both the Amazon and its peoples.
COP Engagement and Amazon Advocacy
VIVAT Brazil has also been actively involved in COP processes and broader Amazon advocacy.
We participated in the COP process in Belém together with the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters and other partners. VIVAT Brazil members—priests, sisters, and lay collaborators—have been present in regional and national spaces that prepare for and follow up on international climate and biodiversity meetings.
In these forums, VIVAT Brazil brings the voices of Indigenous communities and river peoples, the lived experience of pastoral ministry in areas affected by deforestation, mega-projects, and land conflicts, and a strong Gospel-inspired call for ecological conversion and social justice.
Grassroots Ecological Initiatives: From Plastic Waste to Community Income
Beyond policy advocacy, VIVAT Brazil is engaged in practical ecological initiatives that touch everyday life.
Transforming Plastic Bottles into Brooms
In the Arapiuns River region—one of the most remote river parishes pastorally served by the Diocese of Santarém, located near the border with the Diocese of Óbidos—Fr. Michael, SVD, is leading an inspiring environmental project.
Local communities collect plastic bottles, such as soft drink containers, that would otherwise pollute rivers and land. Using a small machine brought from Canada, these bottles are transformed into plastic brooms.
This initiative reduces plastic waste, involves children, catechists, and parish groups in ecological education, and creates a small but meaningful source of income for families who produce and sell the brooms.
It is a concrete example of integral ecology in action—combining environmental care, community participation, and economic alternatives for the poor.
Accompanying Communities in Altamira
In Altamira, our confreres, including Fr. Elie and Fr. Patricio, carry out demanding pastoral work with Indigenous and river communities affected by mega-projects and land conflicts.
Their ministry involves long boat journeys to reach remote communities, supporting people in defending their land rights and territories, and raising ecological awareness about the threats posed by large-scale predatory economic interests.
Their presence is a sign that the Church—and through it, VIVAT—is committed to long-term accompaniment, not only occasional campaigns.
A Growing Intercongregational Network
VIVAT Brazil is truly intercongregational. Among those actively involved are the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (SSpS), Holy Cross Sisters, Franciscan Sisters, SVD missionaries, and others.
Together, we share information and analysis about developments in the Amazon and across Brazil, coordinate advocacy efforts on issues such as deforestation, mining, and Indigenous rights, and support one another’s local projects and campaigns. Each congregation brings its own charism and strengths to this shared mission.
Hope Rooted in Resistance and Creativity
The reality in Brazil—especially in the Amazon—remains fragile and contested. Powerful interests continue to promote large infrastructure projects, aggressive mining and logging, and agribusiness expansion at the expense of forests and traditional communities.
Yet amid these pressures, there are strong signs of hope.
Indigenous and river communities continue to organize and achieve concrete victories, such as the reversal of the Tapajós dredging decision. Local ecological initiatives are creating new ways to unite environmental care and sustainable livelihoods. Intercongregational collaboration within VIVAT Brazil continues to grow stronger, deepening our connection with the wider VIVAT International family.
We remain grateful for this shared journey and invite all members of VIVAT to continue praying for the Amazon and its peoples, supporting actions that defend territories, cultures, and ecosystems, and sharing ideas and experiences that help us live Laudato Si’ in practical and transformative ways.
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