Alberto Curamil: Chile's 'environmental Nobel' winner who saved a sacred river
Alberto Curamil: Chile's 'environmental Nobel' winner who saved a sacred river
By Mal Siret
BBC News
5 May 2019
GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE
Alberto Curamil, 45, says criminal allegations against him are politically motivated
A Chilean indigenous leader detained for allegedly taking part in a robbery has been awarded a prestigious environmental prize for his role in protecting a sacred river in his community.
Alberto Curamil, of the Mapuche community, won the Goldman prize - considered the "Nobel of environmental activism - for mobilising local people, lawyers and scientists in Chile's Araucanía region to stop the construction of dams which he argued would destroy forests, rivers and wildlife.
In 2016, Chile cancelled plans for the hydroelectric projects on the Cautín River, citing public opposition for one and lack of consent and adequate assessment of environmental impacts for the other.
Mr Curamil, who was announced as one of six winners on Monday, could not be present to accept the prize following his arrest last August.
More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48104817
Powerful people in right-wing led countries have always targeted indigenous and environmental activists, as you recall, if they can't be silenced, they are usually assassinated, throughout the Americas, including Canada. Pure evil. Who gains from these acts? The people exploiting the natural resources, of course.