Exclusive: Automatic cameras in the Brazilian rainforest show images of the Massaco people, who are flourishing despite environmental threats

Summary

Images from automatic cameras reveal the first detailed glimpse of the isolated Massaco community in the Brazilian Amazon, estimated to have doubled in size since the 1990s to 250 people.

Despite threats from ranchers, loggers, and miners, the Massaco remain resilient, using strategies like spikes to deter outsiders.

Brazil’s no-contact policy, initiated in 1987 to protect isolated Indigenous peoples from disease and exploitation, has led to population growth among similar groups.

However, chronic underfunding and illegal encroachments continue to threaten these communities and the forests they protect.

  • xmunk@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    1811·
    23 hours ago

    That’s fucking bullshit because they’re unable to make an informed decision. I’m not praising modern culture but there may be individuals living there that’d make a different choice if given the freedom.

    Ignorance is never a strength.

    • GreenKnight23@lemmy.worldEnglish
      133·
      23 hours ago

      I don’t understand why you’re so emotionally hung up on this “informed consent” idea.

      right now, at this very moment, you have opportunities available to you that you couldn’t even imagine. does this upset you?

      also, let’s say you were informed of one of the opportunities. however it is so out of reach for you to use it because you’re not educated enough to use it. would this upset you?

      • xmunk@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        112·
        22 hours ago

        I would never be sadder to know something. I reject the idea that ignorance is bliss.

        Knowledge can hurt in the short term but knowing what’s possible is motivating.