Amazon Watch is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 to protect the rainforest and advance the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin. We partner with indigenous and environmental organizations in campaigns for human rights, corporate accountability and the preservation of the Amazon’s ecological systems.

We envision a world that honors and values cultural and biological diversity and the critical contribution of tropical rainforests to our planet’s life support system. We believe that indigenous self-determination is paramount, and see that indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contribute greatly to sustainable and equitable stewardship of the Earth. We strive for a world in which governments, corporations and civil society respect the collective rights of indigenous peoples to free, prior and informed consent over any activity affecting their territories and resources. We commit, in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect, to support our indigenous allies in their efforts to protect life, land, and culture in accordance with their aspirations and needs.

From the Amazon Watch blog

We Won't Stop Fighting

Facing enormous setbacks to indigenous rights in Brazil, 400 Kayapo leaders and warriors met on the Xingu River to discuss serious threats to indigenous rights that are being considered by the Brazilian government.

"Traditional Forest Knowledge Is not Folklore, but a Resource for Change"

Researchers and policymakers have a lot to learn in designing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies from smallholder farmers in the Amazon, says Miguel Pinedo-Vásquez.

Ecuadorian Locals Still Seeking Damages from Chevron

Despite winning a long court battle, Ecuadorian plaintiffs seeking repayment for environmental destruction have been unable to collect from Chevron, the company the indigenous people and their lawyers blame for the leaked oil contaminating the land and water.