Amazon defender Caetano Scannavino fights back after Bolsonaro’s false fire accusations
Caetano Scannavino, a nonprofit coordinator in the Amazon, has gained international support for his work after being falsely accused by Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro. Leonardo DiCaprio, through his nonprofit Re:wild, has backed Scannavino's initiatives for five years, including the Forest Economy EcoCenter in Santarem.
Scannavino's troubles began when Bolsonaro accused him of setting fires with DiCaprio's funds. This led to serious consequences, including the imprisonment of volunteers and threats against Scannavino. Despite these challenges, Scannavino's work has continued to receive support from Brazilian environmental groups, cultural organizations, and international NGOs. The initiative, costing around NZ$1.7m, was primarily funded by the Amazon Fund.
Scannavino's partnership with DiCaprio began after the actor learned about the false accusation. In a show of solidarity, Scannavino chose to collaborate openly with local police and armed forces instead of engaging in political point-scoring, earning him further support from DiCaprio and other backers. Scannavino is set to meet with Re:wild officials, and possibly DiCaprio himself, at the upcoming COP30 conference in Belem, Brazil. Ironically, Scannavino nearly met DiCaprio around 20 years ago but missed the opportunity due to a misunderstanding.
The Forest Economy EcoCenter, a hub for processing, storage, and commercialization of locally made products, has enhanced the economic viability of sustainable practices in the region. Despite facing risks and challenges, Scannavino's work continues to gain recognition and support, both domestically and internationally.
