Defending the Amazon is a dangerous undertaking. Critics say Bolsonaro is making it worse

No clear explanation has yet been made for their disappearance, but Brazilian president But in a series of actions since he came into power in 2019, Bolsonaro’s administration has Bolsonaro’s rhetoric has also been known to advance such stereotypes, claiming in a 2020 video broadcast that indigenous Brazilians are still “evolving.” That same year, he described a long held “dream” to open indigenous reserves to mining.In contrast, Phillips’ reporting had focused on the threats posed by illegal mining and cattle ranchers to uncontacted indigenous groups, and highlighted efforts that indigenous people were taking to save their environment.It is one of the many reasons why his and Pereira’s work is so crucial, says Munoz, and why their disappearance is so heart wrenching.