Amazon Watch
Amazon Watch is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996, dedicated to protecting the rainforest and advancing the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin. With a team of 59, the organization focuses on corporate accountability, environmental protection, and climate justice through grassroots activism and partnerships with indigenous and environmental groups.
Mission and Objectives
Amazon Watch is dedicated to protecting the rainforest and climate while advancing the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin. The organization commits to supporting indigenous allies in their efforts to safeguard life, land, and culture. It promotes Indigenous-led solutions to climate change and industrial development, advocating for the collective rights of indigenous peoples to free, prior, and informed consent regarding activities affecting their territories and resources.
Specialties and Focus Areas
Amazon Watch specializes in various areas including rainforest protection, indigenous rights, corporate accountability, international development, and environmental protection. The organization engages in online organizing and grassroots activism, focusing on climate change, human rights, and international finance reform. Its multifaceted approach aims to address the complex challenges faced by indigenous communities and the Amazon ecosystem.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Amazon Watch partners with indigenous and environmental organizations to advocate for human rights and the preservation of the Amazon's ecological systems. These collaborations are essential for advancing climate justice and promoting the demarcation of ancestral territories. The organization also engages in campaigns that challenge development projects threatening indigenous peoples and their territories.
Programs and Initiatives
The organization operates several programs, including the Amazon Defenders Fund, which provides resources to address the needs of indigenous communities. The Power to the Protectors program promotes solar-powered solutions in the Amazon. Amazon Watch also participates in international events to advocate for the protection of the Amazon and the rights of indigenous peoples.
Headquarters and Locations
Amazon Watch is headquartered in Oakland, California, with an additional location in Washington, DC. The organization operates as a small non-profit with a team size of 59, focusing on impactful initiatives to protect the Amazon and support indigenous rights.