Carnivorous fish are among the most consumed by the Munduruku and the most contaminated by mercury. Scientists suspect the toxic metal, found in the bodies of the members of this indigenous community is seriously affecting the health of adults and children who are born with malformations and developmental delays. Munduruku women already avoid getting pregnant.
Reporter and photographer at InfoAmazonia in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe. Julia works with socioenvironmental coverage and currently lives in the Amazon region. She has already worked at the Brasil de Fato newspaper, at the agribusiness observatory De Olho Nos Ruralistas, and at Agência Pública.
New study suggests that mercury contamination is widespread among residents of the Amazon
Although living 186 miles away from the area along the Tapajós River where illegal mining is concentrated, Santarém’s inhabitants are at high risk of mercury poisoning.
In two years, five community leaders murdered over land dispute involving authorities in North Brazil
A series of murders, threats and persecutions have affected the daily life of Cedro and Flexeira, two quilombola communities in Maranhão state, in the northeast of Brazil. A judge, a prosecutor and a substitute city council member are directly involved in land conflicts targeting the communities.