Alberto Acosta, former energy minister of Ecuador, passionately advocated for the protection of Yasuni National Park.

He spoke during the inaugural session of the Ethics Tribunal on the Rights of Nature and Mother Earth in Quito, Ecuador.

Photo Credit: Robin Milam

Film by Todd Southgate.

Large hydropower projects are widely promoted as "clean and green" electricity sources by international financial institutions and governments. These projects significantly benefit from instruments designed to address climate change, such as carbon credits, World Bank funds, and green bonds.

The dam industry actively seeks funding from the Green Climate Fund, and many governments advocate for hydropower expansion as a national climate change response. For example, at least twelve governments have included increased hydropower generation in their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.

Amazon Watch released "The Chevron Tapes," internal videos showing company technicians mocking contamination in Amazon areas Chevron claimed to have cleaned. The tapes also feature residents denouncing pollution and Chevron's practice of merely covering waste pits. One resident, José, tragically lost three daughters due to this oil contamination.

Chevron dismisses these damning videos as "out of context." However, José's home, once pristine, became a toxic waste dump due to Chevron's actions, including spilling millions of gallons of crude and dumping billions of gallons of toxic wastewater. A former worker corroborates being ordered to dump waste daily. José has waited approximately 30 years for help, underscoring Chevron's responsibility for this environmental crime.

Donny Rico's series, including Episode 4 "T'anks Judge," highlights Chevron's attempts to evade accountability for massive Amazon pollution. Facing a major loss in Ecuador, Chevron sought favorable courts, finding U.S. Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan. Kaplan initiated a RICO case, assigned it to his courtroom, and ruled for Chevron, despite his decision being legally and factually flawed, lacking jurisdiction, and demonstrating clear bias.

Kaplan's ruling defied appellate courts, refused a jury, and denied crucial evidence to Ecuadorian villagers. This "mockery of justice" is under appeal and widely expected to be overturned. Watch the full Donny Rico series: http://amwt.ch/3627. Learn more: http://chevrontoxico.com/news-and-multimedia/2014/0325-chevrons-mockery-of-justice.

Actor and activist Jared Leto supports protecting Ecuador's Yasuni National Park, the Amazon's most biodiverse region, from oil drilling. Partnering with Yasunidos and Amazon Watch, he urges global support to safeguard this natural wonder. Leto recorded his message while on tour with "Thirty Seconds to Mars" in Ecuador.

A video featuring Jared and other celebrities advocating for Yasuni can be found here.

Take action to keep Amazon oil in the ground today.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently joined indigenous leaders in New York City for a significant march advocating for climate justice. His participation underscored the urgent need for global environmental action.

The demonstration highlighted the critical role of indigenous communities in addressing climate change and emphasized their calls for equitable solutions and protection of ancestral lands.

New York City is hosting the world's largest climate rally. As part of this significant event, Mark Ruffalo joined Amazon Watch for a sunrise ceremony in Central Park.

During the ceremony, indigenous leaders from around the globe, who are on the front lines of climate change, offered blessings. The public is encouraged to watch and join this important gathering.

Esperanza Martinez, a speaker at "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs The Climate," discussed efforts to save Ecuador's Yasuní National Park. This event, part of Climate Action Week with Naomi Klein, featured a panel including Bill McKibben, Clayton Thomas-Muller, Estela Vasquez, and Michael Leon Guerrero, exploring climate, capitalism, justice, and ecological debt.

Watch the full discussion here: http://new.livestream.com/TheNewSchool/This-Changes-Everything

In 2014, indigenous communities in the Xikrin Territory of the Brazilian Amazon utilized the Soccket. This innovative soccer ball harnesses and stores energy from play, providing a portable power source for local use.

This initiative highlights the potential of clean energy. Support clean energy efforts by taking action here: Amazon Watch.

The "Adventures of Donny Rico" series exposes Chevron's threat to society. Episode #3, "Legal Tender," details the unethical tactics of Chevron's law firm, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher. Despite Chevron admitting to dumping toxic waste in the Amazon, Gibson Dunn pursued a RICO suit against Ecuadorian victims, portraying Chevron as the victim.

The firm, criticized for "legal thuggery" and "blatant intimidation," masterminded a strategy to re-litigate the Ecuador trial. They ignored evidence, launched racist attacks, conducted "sting" operations, and allegedly paid a disgraced judge for false testimony. This turned a clear environmental crime into an "abusively litigated nightmare," demonstrating an unprecedented attack on justice.

Watch the entire Donny Rico series here. Read more on the Eye On The Amazon.

The U'wa people extend their heartfelt thanks for the solidarity that made their territorial defense trip possible, successfully bringing their situation to light.

They acknowledge the invaluable support from many non-U'wa allies who have accompanied them every step of the way. With this continued assistance, the U'wa are hopeful for success in defending Mother Nature.

The "Adventures of Donny Rico" series exposes Chevron's controversial tactics in the Amazon, highlighting alleged environmental destruction and its RICO action against Ecuadorian plaintiffs. Watch the full series here.

Chevron's case relies on Alberto Guerra, a disgraced former judge paid substantially for his claim that plaintiffs bribed a trial judge. Despite Guerra's admitted corruption, removal from the bench, and lack of evidence, his testimony was credited. This raises serious concerns about Chevron's efforts to undermine justice. Read more on the Eye On the Amazon.

These actions threaten civil society's ability to hold corporations accountable. Groups urge investigation. Learn more and take action at chevrontoxico.com.

Amazon Watch protects the rainforest by advancing indigenous peoples' rights. At COP21 in Paris, we collaborated with indigenous leaders to advocate for keeping oil in the ground and stopping Amazonian mega-dams, crucial steps to avert climate chaos. Defending indigenous rights, territories, living forests, and flowing rivers are proven, effective climate solutions.

We are growing a movement to leave all fossil fuels in the ground and promote a just transition to 100% renewable energy. Learn more at amazonwatch.org. Produced by Ecodeo.

On July 14, 2011, Ilarion Merculieff addressed the Earth and Spirit Council. He shared insights into indigenous elder wisdom and the highly evolved spiritual cultures rooted in Mother Earth.

Merculieff's presentation also explored the concept of the womb as the Center of the Universe, emphasizing the sacredness of women.

Cultural Survival has championed Indigenous Peoples' rights since 1972.

The organization supports Indigenous communities' self-determination, cultural preservation, and political resilience.

Water is fundamental to nearly every aspect of development, influencing climate change, food security, urban planning, disaster management, environment, gender equality, health, and energy.

To achieve a water-secure world where everyone benefits, we must focus on five key priorities. For more information, visit the Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) at www.worldbank.org/gwsp.

On April 19, 2018, the UNPFII17 held a press conference titled "Indigenous women defending human rights."

Speakers included Ms. Anne Nuorgam, an expert member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; Rani Yan Yan, Advisor to the Chakma Circle, Bangladesh; and Ms. Milka Chepkorir Kuto, a human rights activist from Sengwer, Kenya.

First National Bank (FNB), the largest privately-owned bank in the U.S. with over $20 billion in assets, is deeply committed to community development. Alec Gorynski, FNB's Vice President of Community Development and Corporate Philanthropy and President of the First National Community Development Corporation in Omaha, highlights this commitment through partnerships like Habitat Omaha.

FNB actively reinvests in its communities, dedicating over $26 million in 2017 and managing an $88 million portfolio focused on financial health and credit with CDFIs and nonprofit partners. Read Mr. Gorynski's article on strengthening communities here.

In her TEDxSantaCruz speech, Dr. Riane Eisler proposes four actions to transform economics. A distinguished social scientist, attorney, and author, Dr. Eisler's work on cultural transformation has influenced fields from history to education.

As President of the Center for Partnership Studies, she champions peace, sustainability, and economic equity. Her pioneering human rights work expanded international focus to include women and children. Dr. Eisler's book, *The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics*, advocates for an economic model that values caring for people and nature.