Indigenous group in Peru pressured by deforestation

The aid organization Survival International warns that deforestation is putting increasing pressure on an isolated indigenous group in the Peruvian Amazon.

The organization has published images and video material showing members of the Mashco-Piro group searching for food on a beach along the Las Piedras River near the town of Monte Salvado. A sign, they argue, that logging within the Mashco-Piro territory is driving them to leave their usual territories.

We cannot say with certainty why they have come out (from the rainforest) to the beaches, comments environmental lawyer Cesar Ipenza.

But we are seeing with great concern that some illegal activity may be taking place in the areas where they normally live, which can cause them to leave and come under pressure.

In January, Peru relaxed its restrictions on deforestation. Critics have warned that the new rules increase the risk of illegal logging and mining.