The Yanomami people, who live in the largest indigenous territory in Brazil’s Amazon, have long been plagued by illegal gold mining. However, the Brazilian government has promised to expedite the expulsion of these illegal miners from the Yanomami region. In this essay, we will discuss the Yanomami people, the impact of illegal mining on their territory, and the government’s recent efforts to address the issue.
Who are the Yanomami people?
The Yanomami people are a group of approximately 35,000 indigenous individuals who reside in the Amazon rainforest on the border of Venezuela and Brazil. They do not identify as a united group but rather as individuals associated with their politically autonomous villages. The Yanomami language comprises four main varieties: Ninam, Sanumá, Waiká, and Yanomamö.
Impact of illegal mining in Yanomami territory
Illegal gold mining has long been an issue in the Yanomami region, with miners encroaching on the territory for decades. The results of this activity have been catastrophic for the Yanomami people and their environment. Here are some of the impacts of illegal mining:
- Malaria: The number of malaria cases in Indigenous areas rose by 1,090 per cent, and in mining areas, the number rose by 75,576 per cent. This increase is because the miners bring malaria with them and spread it through mosquito bites.
- Deforestation and malnutrition: The Yanomami people have historically relied on the forest, birds, and animals to feed themselves. However, illegal gold mining has destroyed vast patches of the forest, leading to a scarcity of food.
- Mercury poisoning: Miners in the region search for gold by mixing liquid mercury into excavated sediment from the Amazon’s rivers. This has polluted Yanomami areas traditionally used for hunting, fishing, and gathering. Additionally, it has contributed to the increase in cases of malnutrition among children.
Recent government efforts to address illegal mining in Yanomami territory
The Brazilian government has promised to expedite the expulsion of illegal miners from the Yanomami region. The government’s recent efforts to address illegal mining include:
- Creation of a task force: The government has created a task force to combat illegal mining in the region. The task force comprises members of the military, environmental agencies, and indigenous protection agencies.
- Increased funding for environmental agencies: The government has increased funding for environmental agencies to address illegal mining in the Yanomami region.
- Increased surveillance: The government has increased surveillance of the Yanomami territory to monitor illegal mining activities.
Important Points:
- 🌳 The Yanomami people are a group of approximately 35,000 indigenous individuals who reside in the Amazon rainforest on the border of Venezuela and Brazil.
- 💰 Illegal gold mining has long been an issue in the Yanomami region, with miners encroaching on the territory for decades.
- 🦟 The number of malaria cases in Indigenous areas rose by 1,090%, and in mining areas, the number rose by 75,576% due to illegal mining.
- 🍴 The Yanomami people have historically relied on the forest, birds, and animals to feed themselves. However, illegal gold mining has destroyed vast patches of the forest, leading to a scarcity of food.
- ☣️ Miners in the region search for gold by mixing liquid mercury into excavated sediment from the Amazon’s rivers, leading to mercury poisoning and malnutrition.
- 🛡️ The Brazilian government has created a task force to combat illegal mining in the region, comprising members of the military, environmental agencies, and indigenous protection agencies.
- 💰 The government has increased funding for environmental agencies to address illegal mining in the Yanomami region.
- 📡 The government has increased surveillance of the Yanomami territory to monitor illegal mining activities.
Why In News
The Brazilian government has pledged to accelerate the removal of illegal miners from Yanomami, the country’s largest indigenous territory.
MCQs about Illegal Mining in Yanomami Territory
-
What impact has illegal mining had on the Yanomami people?
A. Decrease in cases of malaria
B. Increase in food sources
C. Increase in mercury-free water
D. Increase in cases of malnutrition
-
What has been the impact of illegal gold mining on malaria cases in the Yanomami region?
A. A decrease in malaria cases in indigenous areas
B. An increase in malaria cases in mining areas
C. No impact on malaria cases
D. An increase in malaria cases in indigenous areas
-
What measures has the Brazilian government taken to combat illegal mining in Yanomami territory?
A. Increased funding for illegal mining
B. Reduction in surveillance of the Yanomami territory
C. Creation of a task force comprising members of the military, environmental agencies, and indigenous protection agencies
D. Encouragement of illegal mining
-
Who are the Yanomami people?
A. A group of approximately 350,000 indigenous individuals who reside in the Amazon rainforest
B. A group of individuals who do not recognize themselves as a united group but rather as individuals associated with their politically autonomous villages
C. A group of indigenous people who rely on the forest, birds, and animals to feed themselves
D. A group of individuals who live in the Yanomami region to mine gold
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
