the Human groups that remain separate from the world Abroad they are often faced with a paradox. Their decision to isolate themselves protects them from violence or epidemics, but also leaves them vulnerable to any intervention. Which Fragility It increases when its natural environment changes due to outdoor activities.
In these circumstances, Isolated cities are becoming the most vulnerable on the planetTheir fate depends on political and economic decisions over which they have no control. This tension is reflected very clearly in… Amazon rainforest in southeastern Peruwhere life Mashko Peru SIt develops under constant danger.
Mashco Piro lives under the threat of human progress
Report from the organization Stay international He points out that there are at least 196 isolated indigenous people in the world, and that half could do it disappear in the next decadeGovernments are not acting more decisively. According to the same document, the largest group will be Mashko Peru.
the The risks come from logging, mining and oil explorationBut also the presence of missionaries and people looking for fame on social networks. Survival International warns against invasion of areas where these people live Accelerate its movement Towards populated areas.
The Peruvian government’s no-contact policy is inspired by the Brazilian model and prohibits any interaction with isolated groups. This action was taken after verifying that First contact usually ends in epidemics and loss From entire communities. Israel Aquis“Isolated indigenous peoples are very vulnerable; any contact can transmit diseases, and even the simplest ones can destroy them,” he explained, from Vimanad, to the BBC. The authorities maintain this strategy Avoid repeating the tragedies that happened in the 1980s and 1990swhen societies such as the Nahua or Morohanoa suffered heavy losses after their first encounters with outsiders.
The inhabitants of New Oceania, a small settlement on the banks of the Taohamanu River, live in a state of constant tension. The town It consists of seven or eight fishing families and is located about ten hours away by boat From the nearest urban centre. There is no official recognition there as a reserve for isolated people, and logging companies operate. Neighbors hear the noise of machines even at night They fear that destroying the forest will push the Mashko Beru towards their homes. The young woman Letitia Rodriguez Lopez “We heard screaming and crying from a lot of people. It was as if a whole group was screaming,” he told BBC journalist Stephanie Meyer.
Checkpoints attempt to contain crowds and prevent infection
In another area to the south, the Nomuli checkpoint, run by the Ministry of Culture and Fanamad, is trying to reduce the risk of confrontation. Antonio Trigoso YdalgoThe head of the detachment described the Mashko Beru “they always come out from the same side. From there they start screaming. They ask for bananas, cassava or sugarcane.” The agents noticed Attendance of about forty people who come frequently. They identified leaders such as Kamutulu, Tkotko, and a young woman named Yumako, who was known for her cheerful personality. They are attracted to brightly colored clothing and tend to approach guards with curiosity.
Mail records show that this The nomadic group belongs to a different branch of Mashco Piro Living near New Oceania. Their lifestyle is based on hunting, fishing and gathering. When resources run out in an area, they break up their camps and advance to another point in the forest. Researchers think so They are descended from indigenous people who fled rubber barons in the 19th century.responsible for one of the largest plantations in the Peruvian jungle. Many fled to avoid slavery and punishment, entering inaccessible areas.
In New Oceania, Tomás Anez dos Santos For years he lived near this Bedouin people without having direct contact. One day he heard footsteps while working in the clearing and discovered this Many Peruvian mascots have noticed it drawn with bows. “Someone was standing and shooting an arrow,” he told Stephenie Meyer. “I told them: Nomall (My brother).” So he decided to run away toward the river. Over time, he learned to maintain his distance and respect. Plant bananas so they can pick them without a struggle. He added: “Let them live the way they want to live.”
Indigenous organizations are demanding real protection of the territory
he The Machco-Peru region has a forest reserve It was created in 2002, although it only protects part of its environment. Survival International has documented that Canales Tahuamanu SAC maintains logging concessions with sustainability certification despite operating on indigenous land. More than 200 kilometers of roads facilitate the entry of loggers and settlers. One Yin leader reminded the same media that “the men in orange are bad people,” referring to the workers of those companies.
The organizations FENAMAD and AIDESEP have been calling for this for years Expand the Mashko Peru reservea measure that was approved in 2016 but is still awaiting publication. Thomas insists that this protection must be provided: “We need them to be free like us. We know that they have lived in peace for years, and now their forests are being destroyed.” The continuity of their lands will decide whether these people can continue to live independently or whether the noise of the saws will eventually erase their way of life.
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