Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Concern for Indigenous Peoples

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

CARACAS, May 20 2001 (IPS) - The Venezuelan government is to study the impact of a power line construction project extending from Venezuela into northern Brazil on the customs and lifestyles of the indigenous communities of the southeastern Great Savannah. Research will begin in the settlements of the Pemon Indians near the 1,500-km route of the electrical transmission line, a symbol of physical integration between Venezuela and Brazil that is sharply criticized by environmentalist and indigenous groups.

Plans are already in the works to train the native groups in self-sufficient economic activities, such as fisheries, and in educational activities that help them to preserve their cultures.