Prince William’s Rio Keynote: A Landmark Pledge to Brazil’s Indigenous Protectors

A Historic Night in Rio

Under the dazzling lights of Rio de Janeiro, leaders, activists, and dignitaries from around the world gathered for the first United for Wildlife Summit in Latin America. The city’s vibrant energy was matched only by the gravity of the issues at hand: the protection of the Amazon, the fight against environmental crime, and the safeguarding of Indigenous rights.

At the heart of the summit stood Prince William, heir to the British throne and a global champion for wildlife and conservation. His presence in Brazil marked not just a diplomatic visit, but a turning point in the world’s response to environmental and social crises. The anticipation was palpable as he prepared to deliver a keynote address that would resonate far beyond the walls of the conference hall.

Latin America: Biodiversity’s Last Stand

Prince William began by paying tribute to Latin America’s unparalleled natural wealth. “Latin America stands as a global leader in biodiversity and environmental conservation,” he declared. From the towering Andes to the lush Atlantic forests, the region is home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest and some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

“These ecosystems are irreplaceable,” he emphasized, “and as the host of COP 30, Brazil will play a crucial role in shaping the world’s response to nature loss at this decisive moment.”

His words underscored the region’s importance not just for Brazil, but for humanity itself. The health, well-being, and future prosperity of billions are deeply rooted in the fate of these forests.

Voices from the Front Lines

Throughout the evening, the summit showcased powerful voices: Indigenous leaders, government ministers, corporate CEOs, and environmental crime experts. Each speaker brought stories of resilience and hope, even in the face of daunting challenges.

William listened intently, acknowledging that optimism persists even as the world faces a nature crisis—global biodiversity is decreasing, climate change is accelerating, and environmental crime is fueling ecological decline.

“In the past year alone, over 1.7 million hectares of the Amazon were cleared,” he noted, “much of which is driven by illicit activity.” The consequences are dire: violence, corruption, economic instability, and the destruction of livelihoods for millions.

But for Indigenous communities, these losses are not just environmental—they are existential. As forests are destroyed, so too are ancestral lands, sacred sites, and even lives.

Indigenous Peoples: Guardians of the Forest

Prince William’s speech reached a crescendo as he turned his focus to Indigenous peoples and local communities. “They are not just residents of the forest,” he said. “They are its protectors.”

He highlighted a striking statistic: deforestation rates in Indigenous lands in the Brazilian Amazon are up to 83% lower than in unprotected areas globally. This is a testament to the effectiveness of Indigenous stewardship, rooted in centuries-old traditions and deep respect for the land.

Yet today, these protectors are under attack. “Those who stand in the way of illicit activity face deadly consequences,” William warned. In 2024 alone, Latin America recorded 120 environmental protectors killed or disappeared—accounting for over 80% of such cases worldwide.

“These are not just statistics. These are lives,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “People taking enormous risks to protect the land and the future we all depend on.”

A New Partnership: Protecting Those Who Protect

In a groundbreaking announcement, Prince William revealed a new partnership between the Royal Foundation, the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon, and the Podali Fund—the first Indigenous-led fund covering the Brazilian Amazon.

“This initiative means working in partnership with those who know the land best,” he explained. The partnership will focus on pressing issues: expanding access to legal aid, establishing an emergency support fund to help those in immediate danger, and raising awareness of Indigenous rights.

Crucially, the initiative will be guided by Indigenous leadership, delivered through Indigenous mechanisms, and focused on those most at risk—isolated communities, female and Indigenous leaders, and those living near international borders.

“Only by working together can we protect those protecting the future of our planet’s critical ecosystems,” William declared.

Nature’s Protectors: A Global Movement

William’s pledge in Brazil forms the central pillar of a growing “Nature’s Protectors” initiative. Its mission: to ensure Indigenous and local voices are central to the conservation of forests, wildlife, and the climate.

He shared the impact of similar efforts elsewhere. “Last year, I stood on stage in Cape Town to launch a new ranger insurance and welfare initiative,” he recalled. In partnership with the Game Rangers Association of Africa and Tusk Trust, the program aims to insure 10,000 rangers within five years. Already, more than 6,000 rangers have been insured in the first year alone.

“We are going further by working to replicate this model around the world,” William said. “So that more of nature’s protectors are properly supported to do their vital work.”

The Stakes: Urgency and Opportunity

William’s speech did not shy away from the daunting reality of environmental crime. He described it as “one of the most profitable and damaging forms of transnational crime.” The destruction of the Amazon, driven by illicit activities, fuels violence and corruption, distorts economies, and devastates communities.

But he also emphasized opportunity. “The commitments announced here today serve to remind us not only of the urgency with which we need to act, but also of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

He called for governments, businesses, and civil society to step up and play their roles—developing solutions, scaling support, and shifting resources to where they are needed most.

“Our task here today is clear,” he said. “We must put a stop to the criminal networks driving environmental crime and destruction. We must stand alongside those who every day are standing up and defending nature.”

The Human Cost: Courage in the Face of Danger

The summit’s atmosphere was charged with emotion as William acknowledged the human cost of environmental protection. Latin America’s environmental defenders are among the most vulnerable in the world, facing threats, violence, and even death for their work.

“We cannot manage our forests while their protectors live in fear,” William said. His call to action was unequivocal: “We must recognize and celebrate these protectors, not just in words, but through our actions. And we must act together.”

He urged all stakeholders to unite in purpose, bold in ambition, and unwavering in their commitment to a safer and healthier world.

Looking Ahead: COP 30 and the Future

With COP 30 set to take place in the Amazon, William’s speech laid the groundwork for a new era of environmental leadership. He challenged the international community to carry their determination forward, united in purpose and ambition.

“Tomorrow night here in Rio, the Earth Prize will honor some of the most inspiring people and solutions to our planet’s greatest challenges,” he announced, highlighting the role of creativity, courage, and commitment in driving change.

Taken together, these efforts show what is possible when the world comes together to protect nature and those who defend it.

The Global Impact: A Royal Legacy

Prince William’s keynote was more than a speech—it was a call to action, a pledge of support, and a vision for the future. By centering Indigenous voices and committing resources to their protection, he signaled a new approach to conservation—one rooted in partnership, respect, and shared responsibility.

His initiatives, from ranger insurance in Africa to emergency support funds in the Amazon, embody a legacy of royal leadership that transcends borders and generations.

The world responded with enthusiasm. Social media buzzed with praise for William’s commitment. “He’s not just a king-in-waiting,” one commentator wrote. “He’s a leader for our time.”

Epilogue: Hope for the Amazon

As the summit concluded, the mood was one of cautious optimism. The challenges facing the Amazon—and the world—are immense. But Prince William’s pledge in Rio has galvanized a new movement, one that places Indigenous protectors at the heart of conservation.

For the people of Brazil, and for millions around the globe, William’s words offered hope. Hope that the forests can be saved, that the protectors will be shielded, and that the future will be brighter for generations to come.

The task ahead is clear. It will require courage, creativity, and commitment. But as William reminded the world, “Only by working together can we protect those protecting the future of our planet’s critical ecosystems.”

And in Rio de Janeiro, on a historic night, that journey began anew.