BRASILIA – Two years following the tragic murder of British journalist Dom Phillips by poachers in the Amazon, his legacy lives on through the establishment of an NGO dedicated to preserving the rainforest and its Indigenous inhabitants, announced his widow Alessandra Sampaio.
Phillips, 57, was on a mission to document the Amazon’s beauty and advocate for its protection when he and his Brazilian colleague were fatally shot by illegal fishermen near the Javari Valley, home to isolated Indigenous tribes bordering Peru.
According to Sampaio, Phillips passionately believed that showcasing the Amazon’s allure and the wisdom of its Indigenous communities would inspire global conservation efforts. In his memory, the Dom Phillips Institute aims to amplify the voices of Amazonian peoples worldwide, providing them with visibility and security.
The renowned journalist, who contributed to publications like The Guardian and The Washington Post, collaborated with Bruno Pereira, an expert on isolated Indigenous groups, to expose environmental crimes in the Javari Valley.
Their untimely deaths on June 5, 2022, shed light on the perilous conditions faced by activists and journalists working to protect the Amazon from exploitation by criminal syndicates engaged in illegal activities like drug trafficking and wildlife poaching.
Despite the challenges, Sampaio remains hopeful for justice, as four individuals have been charged in connection with the murders, affirming that the investigation is progressing positively.
Beto Marubo, an Indigenous leader from the Javari Valley, expressed solidarity with the NGO’s mission, recognizing Phillips’ dedication to raising awareness about climate change, environmental policy setbacks, and Amazon destruction.
In addition to the NGO, Phillips’ unfinished manuscript, “How to Save the Amazon: Ask the People Who Know,” will soon be published by Manilla Press, shedding light on the invaluable insights of Amazonian inhabitants and strategies to protect and restore the rainforest.
As Phillips’ vision continues to inspire action, his legacy serves as a beacon of hope for safeguarding the Amazon and empowering its Indigenous custodians in the fight against deforestation and environmental degradation.