Prince William tackles Amazon deforestation crime, launching new wildlife ranger fund during Brazil visit
During his royal visit to Brazil, Prince William has taken a firm stand against deforestation in the Amazon, condemning the criminal activity driving the destruction of one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. Speaking at the United for Wildlife conference in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, the Prince of Wales highlighted the extent of illegal deforestation, stating that over 1.7 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest had been cleared in just the past year, with much of this damage driven by criminal gangs.
In his powerful address, William urged for stronger global cooperation to protect the environment, addressing a room full of leaders and experts from around the world. “This crime fuels violence and corruption, distorts legitimate economies, and negatively impacts the livelihoods of millions,” the prince stated, stressing the need for urgent action to curb the widespread environmental damage.
The prince, a long-time advocate for conservation and biodiversity, also introduced a new fund aimed at supporting wildlife rangers working on the frontlines of environmental protection. He framed Latin America as a global leader in biodiversity conservation but called for more effective support to combat the increasing pressure from environmental crime.
“We must stand alongside those who are defending nature every day,” William declared. “We must not just talk about protecting our planet, but act on it together.”
As part of his tour, William also visited the small island of Paqueta, just off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, where he was warmly received by locals. Known for its serene atmosphere and lack of cars, Paqueta is a place of natural beauty that also exemplifies Brazil’s commitment to environmental protection. During his visit, William planted saplings in Guanabara Bay’s mangrove areas, an effort to aid the regeneration of these vital ecosystems that play a critical role in mitigating climate change.
The prince’s comments come at a time when environmental issues are at the forefront of global discussions, with William continuing to focus his efforts on raising awareness around climate change. He also praised the work of local communities and individuals dedicated to preserving nature, particularly highlighting their role in combating deforestation in the Amazon.
Later in the week, William will present the prestigious Earthshot Prize, an award he created to recognise and support projects that aim to repair the planet’s climate. The ceremony, which will take place at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, is set to feature performances from global stars like Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes. Five groundbreaking environmental projects will each receive £1 million to help scale their innovations.
In addition to the Earthshot Prize, William is scheduled to attend COP30 in Belem, located in the Amazon rainforest. This marks his first international trip for a COP summit, a significant engagement that underscores his commitment to climate change action.
With his father, King Charles, having previously led the royal family’s involvement in COP summits, Prince William is stepping into a pivotal role as he continues to build on his environmental legacy. His visit to Brazil is not only a key royal engagement but also a personal mission to amplify the urgency of environmental protection at a critical time for the planet.