Kayapo patrol intercepts illegal goldminers entering Bau Territory

Kayapo patrol intercepts illegal goldminers entering Bau Territory

Last week, a Kayapo patrol intercepted a group of illegal goldminers attempting to enter their territory along the Curua River in the northwest region of Kayapo lands.

The patrol, part of the Kayapo-led surveillance program (supported by Biome), was led by Chief Bepdjo of Bau village. Upon encountering the miners, the patrol confronted them and instructed them to leave peacefully. The Kayapo confiscated boats, motors, weapons, communications equipment (including a Starlink unit), and supplies before escorting the miners out of the area and warning them not to return. No violence occurred.

This is the power of Indigenous-led territorial protection: stopping illegal activity before it has the chance to begin — led by those who rightfully steward the land. Without prevention, mining will continue to expand, contaminating rivers with mercury, destroying primary forests, and threatening community health and safety.

The Kayapo surveillance program combines regular river and forest patrols with strategically positioned guard posts. This program has helped reduce illegal invasions by more than 90 percent in monitored areas — a powerful testament to the effectiveness of Indigenous leadership in conservation.

Indigenous territories are among the most important strongholds for biodiversity in the Amazon. When Indigenous communities have the resources to monitor and defend their lands, forests remain standing.

If you would like to support this work, you can learn more by visiting our project page or kayapo.org. Every contribution strengthens Indigenous-led protection on the ground — and helps keep rivers clean and forests intact.