Prince William Praises All-Female Team of Wildlife Warriors
Prince William has commended a group of female wildlife warriors who are working tirelessly in the Amazon rainforests to protect natural habitats. These women, part of the Guerreiras da Floresta, or Forest Warriors, in Brazil, are being celebrated in a new series of films curated by the Prince of Wales.
The docuseries, titled Guardians, sheds light on the challenging and dangerous work carried out by wildlife protectors across the globe. In the upcoming episode, set to premiere on June 27 on BBC Earth’s YouTube channel, Prince William emphasises the threats faced by the Caru indigenous land from activities such as illegal logging, poaching, and wildfires.
The Prince highlights the bravery and resilience of the ‘guerreiras’ who stand as protectors of their land, culture, and ancestral wisdom. The Guardians series, initiated six weeks ago, showcases various teams of rangers dedicated to safeguarding endangered species and preserving ecosystems worldwide. The episodes have collectively garnered a viewership of 800,000 on YouTube and approximately 10 million across social media platforms.
A spokesperson for Prince William underlines the significance of the series in honouring the dedication and valor of these unsung conservation heroes. The Prince’s vision through Guardians is to not only recognise but also inspire global acknowledgement of the crucial conservation efforts undertaken by these individuals daily.
The final installment of the series focuses on the Guajajara People, residing in the Caru Indigenous Land in Brazil for centuries, who are employing advanced technology like drones and GPS cameras in their conservation efforts. The Amazon rainforest, housing a rich biodiversity and playing a vital role in regulating the global climate, is facing imminent threats due to deforestation and climate change.
In conjunction with the release of this film, Prince William hosted a gathering at St. James’s Palace in London on June 26 to discuss the pivotal role played by Indigenous people in environmental conservation. Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, featured in the documentary, emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting Indigenous communities in safeguarding biodiversity and maintaining climate equilibrium.
The meeting spearheaded by Prince William’s United for Wildlife coalition brought together key stakeholders including government officials, philanthropic institutions, Indigenous representatives, and conservationists. The Prince stressed the profound relationship Indigenous communities share with nature, viewing it as sacred and advocating for sustainable stewardship.
The convergence of these initiatives underscores Prince William’s dedication to environmental conservation and his commitment to amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of protecting the planet’s natural resources. Through the Guardians series, he aims to shed light on the invaluable contributions of rangers and wildlife protectors who often operate in perilous conditions to preserve our ecosystems.
As the global community grapples with escalating environmental challenges, Prince William’s focus on championing these unsung heroes serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to uphold and safeguard our natural world for future generations.