The Observatory of Isolated and Recently Contacted Indigenous Peoples (Opi) has introduced Mopi, a geospatial tool designed to monitor and protect isolated indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon. The tool, which uses public geospatial data and Opi surveys, was launched in partnership with COIAB and OPAN as a tribute to Opi's founder Bruno Pereira, who was murdered in 2022. Mopi assesses the living conditions and territories of indigenous groups across seven parameters and helps in planning public protection policies, especially in the face of climate change. There are 115 identified groups, with one unrecognized by the previous government.

The World Health Organisation recognizes breastfeeding as a crucial right for children's health, but research from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro reveals low adherence to WHO guidelines in Brazil. Despite high initial breastfeeding rates, continuation drops significantly by four to five months of age. The World Breastfeeding Week 2023 campaign by the Brazilian branch of the International Baby Food Action Network aims to support working mothers and improve breastfeeding rates, while Instituto Alente assists first-time mothers in learning about breastfeeding.

The Belo Monte hydroelectric plant on the Xingu River in the Brazilian Amazon has been operational since 2015, providing about 10% of Brazil's energy needs. However, it has caused environmental damage, including forced displacement of communities, decline in fishing resources, and reduced water flow affecting local ecosystems. Indigenous and riverine people have challenged the project, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that their constitutional right to be consulted was violated. A collaborative effort between communities and scientists has proposed the Piracema Hydrograph, a more ecologically sound approach to water flow management. The new Brazilian government has been urged to mitigate the plant's impacts.

Brazil, holding 12 percent of the world's freshwater, faces challenges such as deforestation and changing rainfall patterns affecting water distribution. Instituto Trata Brasil's study reveals that 40 percent of Brazil's treated water is lost, mostly due to leaks, which could otherwise serve 66 million people annually. Uruguay, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador also experience significant water waste, while Chile and Bolivia perform better. The Planet Water Museum in Curitiba, Brazil, supported by UNESCO and other organizations, offers educational experiences to promote water conservation, emphasizing the need for collective action among citizens, companies, and governments to address water sustainability in the face of climate change.

Argentina, amidst a Covid-19 resurgence and economic crisis, has introduced gender-based policies to address the disproportionate impact on women, who have seen a 20% drop in labor force participation. The country, which has legalized abortion and is led by President Alberto Fernández, has been recognized by the United Nations for its gender policies. High-ranking officials Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta, Vilma Ibarra, and Mercedes D’Alessandro have implemented measures to combat violence, food insecurity, and income loss, including support for gender-based violence survivors and aid for the unemployed and informal workers. These efforts are seen as steps towards gender equality and a gender-based post-pandemic recovery.

The Chiloé Islands and Chilean Patagonia, known for their unique ecosystems, are the focus of conservation efforts highlighted by a study from Universidad Austral de Chile. Challenges persist in the region, including political discord and the need for a just constitutional process that respects social and environmental rights. Juan Carlos Viveros of the Defendamos Chiloé movement met with Environment Minister Maisa Rojas to discuss regulations for the salmon industry and the creation of a whale sanctuary. Indigenous Mapuche communities are advocating for the Guafo Islands to become a Coastal Marine Space for Indigenous Peoples, which would be a new model for balancing human needs with coastal conservation. The WWF and the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea support these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and leadership in effective conservation.

From September 11th to 13th, the third March of the Indigenous Women took place in Brasilia, with participants advocating for biodiversity and ancestral roots. The event highlighted the progress of indigenous communities, including electoral successes and the appointment of Sonia Guajajara as Minister of Indigenous Peoples. The march emphasized the protection of Brazil's biomes and addressed issues like violence against women and equality. Approximately 8,000 women from 247 communities and international representatives attended. An open letter from the event called for land boundary establishment and rejected the time limit trick thesis. The Supreme Court's decision on the matter is pending.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, inaugurated on January 1st, have appointed three women to lead the country's environmental and indigenous policies. Marina Silva, an environmentalist, is the new minister in charge of environmental governance, while Sonia Guajajara is the first Minister for Indigenous People's Affairs, symbolizing the administration's commitment to the environment. Joenia Wapichana will restructure the National Indigenous Peoples Foundation. The administration has already taken actions to protect forests and revoke decrees allowing illegal mining on indigenous lands, with Lula committing to zero deforestation and addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Cerrado, a vital biome covering a quarter of Brazil's landmass, faces threats from deforestation and land usage by agribusiness. Despite less than five percent being under conservation, community-based solutions are fostering hope. Initiatives like the CERES project and the Seed Collectors Association of Chapada dos Veadeiros are empowering local communities and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts are supported by organizations such as WWF-Brazil, WWF-Paraguai, ISPN, and funded by WWF-Holland and the European Union. The restoration of the Cerrado involves using native seeds and seedlings, with a focus on maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. Challenges remain, such as lack of long-term support and invasive species, but the dedication of local communities and experts provides a resilient path forward for conservation.

Brazil recorded the highest number of rapes in 2022, with 74,930 victims, predominantly women and Black individuals. Children aged zero to 13 are the most affected, with most crimes occurring at home by known individuals. Femicides and attempted femicides have also increased, with Black and young women being the primary victims. The Brazilian Public Security Forum's report suggests that the rise in reported rapes may be due to more victims coming forward. Juliana Brandão emphasizes the role of schools in educating and supporting children to report violence. The report also criticizes the reduction of government resources to combat violence against women and links the increase in violence to the advance of far-right political extremism.

The Motagua River in Guatemala, which transports thousands of tonnes of waste annually, poses a threat to the Mesoamerican reef. Efforts to clean the river have been ongoing, with initiatives like 4Ocean and the Alliance for the Motagua River, which includes over 50 organizations, aiming to restore the river's cleanliness within a decade. The Alliance employs the EPIC methodology, focusing on education, policy, infrastructure, and cleanup. The article also highlights similar efforts in Panama by the Marea Verde Association, emphasizing the need for global, national, and local actions to address river and ocean pollution.

Amendments to energy transition bills currently moving through the Brazilian Congress have reintroduced 'jabutis'—provisions that could make the energy matrix more expensive or polluting, such as the requirement for mandatory gas-fired thermal power plant auctions. The article highlights concerns about these changes potentially delaying the exploration and burning of fossil fuels, which could impact Brazil's energy transition and environmental policy goals.

In 2023, Ecuador converted a billion-dollar debt into a 'blue bond' to fund conservation in the Galapagos Islands, saving the government over $1 billion in costs and generating $450 million for conservation over 20 years. The Galapagos Life Fund will manage these funds, despite some criticism about its US-based control. The Galapagos, home to over 3,500 species, expanded its marine reserve by 30,000 square kilometers in 2022, banning longline fishing. Threats to the ecosystem include overfishing, illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change. Community surveillance and international cooperation, particularly in monitoring and managing shared marine resources, are crucial for protecting the ocean and its migratory species.

Argentina and Brazil's rise as major food producers has contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in Latin America. The FAO emphasizes the need for a green transition in agriculture. Vegan diets are suggested as a way to reduce carbon footprints, and the plant-based food industry is growing. Artificial intelligence is being explored for plant-based food processing, with potential to revolutionize food production from farms to factories. AI can assist in forecasting weather, identifying crop issues, speeding up production, and tracking food origins. However, experts caution against over-reliance on AI without critical assessment and emphasize the need for human professionals in quality control. Investments in connectivity and reductions in machine costs are necessary for the transition to a data-driven food industry.

Paraguay's national elections on April 30, 2023, resulted in Santiago Peña of the Colorado Party winning the presidency with 43% of the votes. Despite the victory, the high abstention rate and a fractured Congress indicate a lack of strong national support for the incumbent party. International relations are expected to remain stable, with Paraguay continuing its alliance with Taiwan. Public dissatisfaction is evident, with protests and criticism of the ruling party's handling of education and the COVID-19 pandemic. Peña faces the challenge of uniting a divided country without a majority of popular support.

Psychedelic drugs are increasingly recognized for their potential to treat mental health issues, despite historical stigma and legal barriers. Research into substances like psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and MDMA shows promise for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, experts caution that these drugs are not miracle cures and should be used with medical supervision. In countries like Brazil and Argentina, progress is being made in research and potential therapeutic use, but challenges remain in terms of regulation, access, and cost. Activists and scientists argue for the expansion of psychedelics' use as a human rights issue, while also considering sustainability and the socio-environmental impact of large-scale substance extraction.

In the Brazilian Amazon, near Lábrea, indigenous woman Maria dos Anjos and her husband Seu Marcelino dos Anjos are part of the Apurinã people engaging in a successful Agroforestry System (SAF), which promotes biodiversity and reforestation. The initiative, supported by Operation Native Amazon (OPAN), has replaced environmentally damaging monoculture with diverse, pesticide-free agriculture, providing a rich diet and potential income for the community. The project, which began with four villages, now includes 21 communities and aims to integrate sustainability, education, and health. Dona Maria also shares her knowledge with other communities, emphasizing the importance of agroforestry for future generations and the preservation of nature.

Brazilian researchers at the Federal University of Parana are developing a COVID-19 vaccine using a bioplastic nanoparticle, which has shown promising results without the need for additional adjuvants. Despite the potential for a cost-effective vaccine adaptable to other diseases, significant investment is required for production. Efforts to crowdfund for clinical trials have only reached 2% of the 12 million euro goal. Brazil's history of successful vaccination programs and current willingness among the population to receive a COVID-19 vaccine highlight the importance of national vaccine development. However, challenges such as the lack of private partnerships, decreased science funding, and the need for coordinated efforts across research entities persist.

Paloma Costa, a 28-year-old human rights defender, was nominated to the United Nations Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. She views her role as part of a collective effort to amplify youth voices in environmental policy. Despite the reluctance of world leaders to commit to reducing deforestation and carbon emissions, Costa remains optimistic about the future and the potential for collective good. She emphasizes the importance of education, access to information, and community engagement in addressing climate change. Costa also highlights the role of science in combating the climate crisis and the need for a sustainable economy that values life over profit.

During the UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 in Madrid, indigenous leaders, including Sonia Guajajara, Helena Gualinga, and Daiara Tukano, spoke out against the violence and environmental destruction affecting their communities. Guajajara highlighted the recent murders of indigenous leaders in Brazil and the role of President Jair Bolsonaro in inciting violence. Gualinga criticized the impact of oil companies in Ecuador, while Tukano discussed the threats to indigenous territories from mining and other exploitations. The speakers emphasized the importance of indigenous stewardship of the environment and called for global support in their resistance against the exploitation of the Amazon. Osprey Orielle Lake of WECAN International also spoke, stressing the need to protect the Amazon to mitigate climate change.

The article discusses the issue of police violence in Rio de Janeiro's favelas, particularly against black and poor people. It highlights the increase in such violence since Wilson Witzel became governor and his political alignment with President Jair Bolsonaro. The article cites statistics on police killings and compares them to São Paulo's, emphasizing the lethal impact of state agents. It also covers the perspectives of various activists and experts, including Raull Santiago, Maria Lucia Karam, and Luciana Boiteux, who criticize the 'war on drugs' as a tool for maintaining racism and inequality. They argue that this war targets vulnerable communities and serves as a pretext for violent state actions. The article also touches on the psychological impact on police officers and the movement to report these actions as international crimes to the United Nations. The experts suggest that legalizing all drugs could be a step towards reducing violence and establishing real public security.

The article discusses the widespread outrage and protests in Brazil and around the world in response to the Amazon rainforest fires, which have increased by 84% in 2019. The fires, which have even affected the city of São Paulo, are largely attributed to President Jair Bolsonaro's environmental policies that activists claim encourage deforestation. Indigenous communities, who are among the most affected, have been actively protesting and demanding action. Simone Eloy Terena, an indigenous leader and advisor for the Liberty and Socialism Party, emphasizes the importance of land for indigenous people and their role as protectors of nature. She also highlights the First Indigenous Woman’s March in Brasilia and the Indigenous Women’s Voice project supported by UN Women, which aims to empower indigenous women. The article also mentions international concern from leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau, and the determination of indigenous people to resist and protect their rights and land.

Chile is poised to decide on whether to draft a new constitution in response to widespread protests sparked by a metro fare increase in October 2019. The protests highlighted deeper issues of social inequality, prompting President Sebastián Piñera to call for a plebiscite. Surveys by the Public Studies Center and Cadem show a significant shift in public priorities and a steep decline in approval for Piñera. Trust in various institutions, including the police and the judiciary, has also plummeted. The current constitution, dating back to Pinochet's dictatorship, lacks guarantees for basic social rights. While left-wing politicians advocate for a new constitution to enhance social and human rights, right-wing parties suggest immediate reforms to the existing one. The plebiscite will take place on April 26, with a majority of Chileans currently favoring a new constitution, according to the CEP survey.