Prince William Steps Up to Shield Amazon Guardians

Prince William is taking action to back up the brave folks who are fighting to keep the Amazon rainforest safe. He's launching a new plan to support Indigenous communities and environmental activists in Brazil. These groups are often in danger just for trying to protect one of the world's most important ecosystems. The prince is in Brazil for an awards event for his big environmental prize. He pointed out that these communities have been protecting the Amazon for a long time, but now they're facing more threats than ever. He believes that if we're serious about fixing the climate crisis, we need to stand by those who are defending nature. William arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. His visit comes at a time when his family is trying to shift focus away from some recent scandals. Over the past ten years, thousands of people who have spoken up for the environment have either gone missing or been killed. Indigenous communities are especially at risk. The new initiative in Brazil builds on a five-year financial plan William announced last year. That plan, which involves two other organizations, aims to provide 10, 000 rangers in Africa with affordable insurance. More details about the Brazil partnership will be shared during William's speech at the United for Wildlife summit on Tuesday. The Amazon rainforest is often called the "lungs of the Earth" because it produces a lot of the oxygen we breathe. It's also home to countless plants and animals. Protecting it is crucial for the planet's health. The Indigenous communities who live there have a deep understanding of how to care for the forest. They deserve our support and recognition.