Brazil's Lula recognises six new indigenous reserves
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has decreed six new indigenous reserves, banning mining and restricting commercial farming there. The lands - including a vast area of Amazon rainforest - cover about 620,000 hectares (1.5m acres). Indigenous leaders welcomed the move, but said more areas needed protection. Lula, who took office in January, has pledged to reverse policies of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who promoted mining in indigenous lands. Lula, who previously served as president in 2003-2010, signed the demarcation decree on Friday - the final day of a gathering of indigenous people from around the country in the capital Brasilia. "We are going to legalise indigenous lands. It is a process that takes a little while, because it has to go through many hands," the 77-year-old leader told the crowds. "I don't want any indigenous territory to be left without demarcation during my government. That is the commitment I made to you." And in a tweet, Lula described the decision as "an important step". Recent years have seen an alarming rise in deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change. The new reserves are in central Brazil, as well as the country's north-east and south. The presidential decree grants indigenous people exclusive use of natural resources on the reserves. All mining is banned, and there are tighter rules for commercial farming and logging. While hailing Lula's decision, some indigenous leaders pointed out that his government had vowed to recognise 14 new territories. During his time in office, Mr Bolsonaro made it his mission to push economic development in the Amazon. He repeatedly argued that by mining in indigenous territories, Brazil - which relies heavily on imported fertilisers - could build more of its own potassium reserves. That argument has been questioned by some experts. This video can not be played Watch: Brazilian authorities carry out raids against illegal gold miners How Russia's war threatens Brazil's indigenous land Brazil airlifts starving tribal people from jungle Lula is sworn in with promise to rebuild Brazil Brazil is back, Lula tells climate summit Morocco rescuers dig with bare hands as foreign aid sent US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit 'Everyone in this village is either dead or missing' A Serbian scientist's long quest to name Srebrenica's dead How chronic pain feels for me. Video How chronic pain feels for me Guyana scrambles to make the most of oil wealth The spongy creatures cleaning Zanzibar's oceans. Video The spongy creatures cleaning Zanzibar's oceans Inside a 'hijacked' South African building. Video Inside a 'hijacked' South African building The rise and fall of a parenting influencer Florida's first hurricane-proof town The greatest spy novel ever written? Why is everyone crazy about Aperol? 2023 BBC.