Indigenous Rights Program
In 2013, OPAN launched the Indigenous Rights, Indigenous Policy, and Public Awareness Program (PDI), which operates across both the Amazonas and Mato Grosso programs. This initiative supports Indigenous advocacy in response to threats to their constitutional rights and works to develop integrated actions at local, regional, national, and international levels.
A key focus of the program is monitoring pressures and threats to Indigenous territories and traditional communities. Initially launched in Mato Grosso with a focus on the Juruena River Basin, the initiative is now expanding into Amazonas. Major threats include hydroelectric projects, mining, gold extraction, and deforestation. PDI also works alongside Indigenous organizations to support territories with references to isolated peoples and promote land regularization. Another critical area of action is preserving Indigenous cultural heritage and providing training on rights related to free, prior, and informed consultation, climate advocacy, and popular communication.
The program operates in collaboration with various organizations and networks, including the ‘Fórum Popular Socioambiental de Mato Grosso’ (‘Mato Grosso Socio-environmental People’s Forum’ – FORMAD), the ‘Observatório Socioambiental de Mato Grosso’ (‘Mato Grosso Socio-Environmental Observatory’ – Observa-MT), the ‘Observatório da BR 319’ (‘BR 319 Observatory’), the Infrastructure Working Group (WG), and the Climate Observatory.
OBJECTIVES
- Political advocacy – Strengthening connections between Indigenous peoples, allied groups, and their engagement with the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches.
- Training – Enhancing dialogue between public authorities, Indigenous communities and representatives, and civil society.
- Communication – Raising public awareness and supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous mobilization through campaigns.
- Research and knowledge dissemination – Conducting studies, research, and systematic documentation to support advocacy, training, and the visibility of Indigenous rights.
