The most outspoken proponents of saving the rainforest in Brazil were initially the region’s indigenous tribes, particularly the Kayapo tribe. Producer Cecilia Vaisman visits the town of Gorotire, where chiefs discuss their fight against ranchers, and how they are making accommodations, including mining and logging concessions. Some were looking at the immediate benefits, such as electricity, solid homes, and even airplanes. Others looked at what the tribe could be losing, such as traditions, hunting or a nutritious diet. We go to a seminal conference of tribes held in Altimira in 1989, where several chiefs, including Kuben'i and his cousin, Payakan, focused the world’s media attention on the Kayapo resistance. Members of the Brazilian government, representatives from the World Bank, the rock star Sting, corporations like The Body Shop and environmental and human advocacy groups met to hear the Indians’ issues. The effort stopped World Bank funding for a mega-dam project near Altamira on the Xingu River. As important, the world began to understand the value of maintaining tribal life. As anthropologist Darrel Posey put it: “The Indian is not an exotic footnote to history. There is much we can learn from them about managing the land so that ecological diversity is maintained.”

The Soundprint documentary series features the best work of top radio producers. The award winning documentaries are renowned for drawing the listener into the story with compelling interviews, authentic voices and rich sound. From memoirs to science, health and popular culture, Soundprint creates a powerful experience the listener will not soon forget. Here some related documentaries:

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