Priscila Tapajowara: The Indigenous Voice at the A Possible Amazon Seminar in Norway – Reflections and Solutions for the Future of the Amazon

On October 10, 2024, a Thursday dedicated to critical discussions and reflections, the A Possible Amazon seminar took place in Oslo, Norway, bringing together representatives of organizations, Indigenous leaders, and specialists at The Conduit. Organized by the Brazil-Norway Chamber of Commerce (BNCC), the event featured a series of panels on urgent topics, as well as exhibitions of sustainable products from the Amazonian bioeconomy, showcasing innovative solutions and the importance of preserving the rainforest.

Among the event's highlights was Priscila Tapajowara, an Indigenous leader from the state of Pará and communicator for Mídia Indígena. Bringing a direct voice from the Amazon to Norway’s capital, Priscila shared reflections on the importance of the seminar, the role of Indigenous media, and the challenges faced by forest peoples. In an exclusive interview with Brasil i Norge, she emphasized the need for Indigenous perspectives to be at the forefront of discussions on protecting the Amazon.

Interview with Priscila Tapajowara

Priscila Tapajowara speaking at the A Possible Amazon seminar in Norway, October 2024

How does the A Possible Amazon seminar contribute to raising awareness about the Amazon and Indigenous issues?

“Well, I think being present at this event is very important because I brought the perspective of someone who lives in the Amazon, who is in this daily struggle in defense of Mother Earth, as part of the Indigenous movement. By bringing this ancestral knowledge, the knowledge of forest peoples, here to Norway, and sharing it with people who are scholars, who work in companies, and who are thinking of different paths and possibilities to save the Amazon, we are building together. This process involves protecting the forest, reforesting the degraded parts, and somehow stopping the destruction of our rainforest.

We know that if the Amazon dies, the entire world will suffer the consequences. So, I think being in this space, here in Norway – a country that is internationally recognized for its concern about climate issues – is very important. But we also know there are challenges, such as the current carbon credit coalition. Norway is part of this coalition, and when they signed an agreement with the Pará state government, there was no prior consultation with the traditional peoples of Pará. That is a problem. You cannot implement solutions to save the Amazon without listening to the Amazon's peoples, because we have the knowledge, we live in harmony, and we have the wisdom to keep the forest standing – we have been doing this for many years. So, in this process of seeking solutions, whether from a company or a researcher, it is essential to engage with the traditional peoples of the Amazon.”

As a filmmaker and director of photography, how do you think visual media can carry forward the momentum created by this seminar to tell the stories of the Amazon and its people?

“Well, in Brazil, we have the perspective that the media is monopolized, and much of what is broadcast on major channels is shown through a white lens. They don’t really want to talk about what is happening in the territories, and this is true for global media as well. So bringing Indigenous communication and working within this communication is something I believe is very important.

We bring the voices of the territories; we share with the world the voices of leaders who are there every day, fighting for our territories, our culture, and our rights. Being part of this event, I feel this is another space we can occupy. Occupying new spaces, such as communication and even politics – like Minister Sonia Guajajara and other leaders – is essential. Indigenous communication has been revolutionary in Brazil, where we share our stories and struggles and reach many people. We take news from the territories to the world and, at the same time, bring news from the outside world back to the villages. That way, our relatives in these territories also know what is happening globally.”

Was there any panel discussion or interaction that marked you significantly or surprised you?

“There were several panels that caught my attention, but a few topics sparked my curiosity more. One was about agriculture and the monitoring of soybean exports to ensure they don’t come from deforested areas (Denofa). Another topic was about a fertilizer that helps the forest grow faster. That would help a lot in reforestation by planting trees and speeding up their growth (Yara).

If this really happens, it will be incredible. But we know that Brazil’s laws are very complex and favor agribusiness, right? I come from a region where forests are being completely deforested to plant soybeans, and it is something uncontrolled. So, I was curious to know whether this soybean monitoring project could really help with oversight and reduce the destruction happening in Brazil.”

What do you hope the Norwegian and international audiences will take away from events like the A Possible Amazon seminar, and how can they support the cause going forward?

“I hope that all events held here in Norway that talk about the Amazon, Brazil, and traditional peoples – whether Indigenous, quilombola, or riverine – ensure representation. It’s important that we come here and speak for ourselves, sharing our struggles from our own perspectives.

I hope people hear us, that this touches their hearts, and that it brings more supporters to our cause. It is essential for us to be in these spaces, to occupy these places, and for people to understand the importance of the Amazon and the peoples who protect it.”

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