Loggers killed by bow and arrow in Peru’s Amazon
Two loggers missing, one injured in clash with Mashco Piro tribe
Two loggers were killed by bow and arrow after reportedly trespassing on land belonging to the uncontacted Mashco Piro Indigenous tribe in Peru’s Amazon. FENAMAD, an organisation advocating for the rights of Peru’s Indigenous peoples, highlighted the growing tensions between loggers and Indigenous tribes, stressing the need for increased government protection.
Two other loggers are missing, and one was injured in the incident, FENAMAD reported. Rescue operations are ongoing. The attack occurred on 29 August in the Pariamanu river basin as loggers expanded their routes into the forest, encountering the territorial tribe.
The rights group, representing 39 Indigenous communities in Cusco and Madre de Dios, criticised the Peruvian state for failing to protect the loggers. Authorities have yet to visit the area since the incident.
The attack happened 25 kilometres from a similar incident in July, where the Mashco Piro also attacked loggers. Despite warnings to the government about escalating violence, no preventive measures have been taken.
Cesar Ipenza, an environmental lawyer based in the Amazon, noted the rising tensions between isolated Indigenous peoples and activities encroaching on their ancestral lands. Past conflicts include a 2022 incident where two loggers were shot with arrows, one fatally, while fishing.
In January, Peru eased deforestation restrictions, criticised as the “anti-forest law.” Researchers warned this could increase deforestation for agriculture, facilitating illegal logging and mining.
Ipenza acknowledged some efforts by authorities, such as deploying a helicopter, but criticised the overall lack of commitment from Peru’s Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for Indigenous protection.
The Ministry of Culture did not respond to requests for comment on the attack or their protection efforts. The attack coincided with the Forest Stewardship Council suspending the sustainability certification of a logging company accused of encroaching on Indigenous land.
Julia Urrunaga, director of the Environmental Investigation Agency’s Peru program, condemned the certification body’s actions. She criticised the need for international scandals to prompt action, highlighting the ongoing human and Indigenous rights violations.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports that at least two loggers were fatally shot with arrows, one injured, and two others are missing after a clash with members of the Mashco Piro Indigenous group in the Peruvian Amazon. (read more)
- Survival International reports on the threat to uncontacted tribes in Brazil, where the government plans to open their lands for exploitation, potentially driving several tribes to extinction and destroying over a million hectares of rainforest. (read more)
- News.com.au reports that an “uncontacted” Amazon tribe has fatally clashed with loggers, killing two using bow and arrows. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between indigenous tribes and encroaching activities. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the loggers in Peru’s Amazon?
Two loggers were killed by bow and arrow, allegedly by the Mashco Piro tribe.
Who are the Mashco Piro tribe?
The Mashco Piro are an uncontacted Indigenous tribe living in Peru’s Amazon.
What is FENAMAD?
FENAMAD is a group defending the rights of Peru’s Indigenous peoples.
Why are tensions rising between loggers and Indigenous tribes?
Tensions are rising due to encroachment on Indigenous lands and lack of government protection.
What has the Peruvian government done about the conflict?
Authorities have mobilized a helicopter, but overall commitment is seen as lacking.
