Prince William joins forces with Leonardo DiCaprio as he announces major new initiative | Royal | News

“It is a great honor to be in Rio de Janeiro for the first United Wildlife Summit in this incredible region.

“Latin America is a global leader in biodiversity and environmental conservation.

“The region is home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest, and from the Andes to the Atlantic Forest, Latin America hosts some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Irreplaceable ecosystems.

“As the host of COP30, Brazil will play a pivotal role in shaping the world’s response to nature loss at this decisive moment.

“Our health, our well-being and our future prosperity are all deeply rooted in nature.

“Tonight, we heard powerful voices from indigenous leaders to government ministers, from corporate CEOs to environmental crime experts. Each conversation shows us that optimism remains despite great challenges.

“The commitments they announced here today remind us not only of the urgent need to act, but also of the opportunities that lie ahead.

“We all know that we are facing a nature crisis where global biodiversity is declining, climate change is accelerating and environmental crimes are fueling ecological collapse.

“As we heard this evening, environmental crime has now become one of the most profitable and damaging forms of international crime.

“Last year alone, more than 1.7 million hectares of the Amazon were cleared in this region, much of it resulting from illegal activities.

“This crime fuels violence and corruption, disrupts legitimate economies and negatively impacts the livelihoods of millions of people.

“For indigenous communities, these losses are not just environmental but also existential. As forests are destroyed, so are their ancestral lands, sacred spaces, and even lives.

“Indigenous Peoples and local communities are partners and leaders with their own solutions.

“They are not just inhabitants of the forest, they are also its guardians. Their stewardship has kept deforestation rates on Indigenous Territories in the Brazilian Amazon up to 83% lower than in unprotected areas globally.

“But today these guardians are under attack.

“Those who stand in the way of illegal activity face deadly consequences. In Latin America, 120 environmental defenders were recorded to have been killed or disappeared in 2024, accounting for more than 80% of all such cases worldwide.

“These aren’t just statistics. These are lives.

“These are people who take great risks to protect the lands and the future on which we all depend.

“We cannot manage our forests while their guardians live in fear.

“That is why today I am proud to announce a new partnership between the Royal Foundation and the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon and the Podaali Fund, the first indigenous fund covering the Brazilian Amazon.

“As we have just heard, COIAB’s work is critical in fighting on behalf of the indigenous peoples of the Brazilian Amazon.

“This initiative means working in partnership with those who know the land best.

“A partnership that will first focus on some of the most pressing issues and expand access to legal assistance. Establishing an emergency support fund to help those in immediate danger find safety and work to raise awareness of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

“This partnership will be guided by Indigenous leadership, delivered through Indigenous mechanisms, and focused on those most at risk, such as isolated communities, Indigenous women leaders, and those living close to international borders.

Because only by working together can we protect the future of our planet’s critical ecosystems.

These efforts are a pillar of the growing Guardians of Nature Initiative; ensuring that indigenous people and local voices play a central role in protecting the forests, wildlife and climate on which we all depend.

“And we are already seeing the impact of this work.

“Last year, I took to the stage in Cape Town to launch a new ranger insurance and outreach initiative in partnership with the Game Rangers Association of Africa and Tusk Trust.

“Wildlife rangers do vital but often unrecognized work, and they currently have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

“I promised we would have ten thousand rangers insured within five years, and today I am pleased to announce that we are well ahead in delivery, with more than six thousand rangers insured in the first year alone.

“That’s why we’re going further by working to replicate this model around the world, so more of nature’s guardians are properly supported to do their vital work.

“And so I remain optimistic as we look to the next five years of this critical decade for our planet.

“Tomorrow night, here in Rio, the Earthshot Prize will recognize some of the most inspiring people and those bringing solutions to our planet’s biggest problems.

“Taken together, these efforts show us what is possible when courage, creativity and determination come together.

“And our mission here today is clear. We must put an end to environmental crime and the criminal networks that wreak havoc.

“We must stand with those who stand up and defend nature every day. We must recognize and celebrate these protectors not only with words but also with our actions.

“And we must act together.

“Governments, businesses and civil society – each must now step up and play their part in developing solutions, scaling support and shifting resources to where they are needed most.

“As we look forward to COP30 at Amazon, let us carry forward our unwavering resolve, united in purpose, bold in ambition, and unwavering in our commitment to a safer and healthier world. Thank you.