A Brazilian ranching company’s effort to expand into the heart of territory claimed by the uncontacted Ayoreo-Totobiegosode people in Paraguay’s Chaco region has unleashed vigorous criticism of the company and the Paraguayan government for allowing the intrusion. Survival International, a London-based nonprofit that defends tribal rights worldwide, asked the European Commission in November to ban beef imports from Paraguay until the government “can assure that no cattle is being reared on land inhabited by uncontacted Indians.” On Dec. 20, Paraguayan Environment Secretary Cristina Morales tried unsuccessfully to get Ayoreo who already have been forced out of remote areas to compromise on land claims they’ve made on behalf of their uncontacted brethren. Survival International’s request followed the release of satellite images in September allegedly... [Log in to read more]