Wildlands Creative

Really pleased to have this important story about the impacts of gold mining on indigenous rights in Bolivia published by and co-written with

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/16/bolivian-activists-push-back-against-mining-industry

We travelled to Madidi National Park to interview community members from San Jose de Uchupiamonas, who have rejected attempts by gold miners to gain access to their territory. Despite trying to protect themselves, they've still tested positive for mercury poisoning due to gold mining activity upriver.

Madidi is one of the many protected areas and indigenous territories that's facing escalating pressure from the economic and politically powerful mining industry.

Thanks to the and for supporting this project, and to and .tropics for transcribing the interviews 💚💙💛

I'm just back from visiting Tariquia reserve, in the very south of Bolivia - from the dusty rocky mountains, down into lush green forest.

I was there to meet and interview Paola Gareca (pictured) who is fighting to protect the reserve from oil and gas exploration. She's suffered abuse and threats, but despite the ongoing struggle, she's unwavering in her commitment to defend this land against poweful vested interests.

She's part of a grassroots movement of defenders across Bolivia, called CONTIOCAP, who are fighting to protect their territories from exploitation - 85% of these defenders are women.

It was a privilege to meet Paola and hear her story. When international conferences like Cop27 yet again fail to deliver, it is people like Paola, fighting on the frontlines, who give me hope.

Thanks to the Scientific Exploration Society and One World Media for supporting this project, and to for being the best of teammates.

Just back from an amazing - but sobering - trip to Madidi National Park in Bolivia's Amazon with indigenous right activist and filmmaker

We're reporting on the escalation of gold mining within the country's protected areas and its impact on indigenous communities.

We'll be bringing you more news about this soon...

Thanks to the support of Scientific Exploration Society for making this project possible.