Indigenous Researcher Dzoodzo Baniwa Honored for His Contributions to Climate Change Studies

Indigenous Leader Dzoodzo Baniwa Among Jabuti Prize Finalists

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, a remarkable figure is making waves in the literary world. Dzoodzo Baniwa, an advisor for Indigenous School Education in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, has been named a finalist for Brazil's most prestigious literary award, the Jabuti Prize.

Born in the Indigenous Territory of Alto Rio Negro, Dzoodzo's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. His parents, who were illiterate, could not have known that their son would one day be a contender for one of Brazil's most coveted literary honours.

Dzoodzo's academic journey began at the Federal Institute of Amazonas (IFAM), where he obtained a degree in intercultural physics. He later pursued a master's degree in environmental sciences from the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM). Interestingly, his academic formation was oriented towards non-indigenous people, a fact that has not deterred him from making significant contributions to Brazil's scientific community.

Dzoodzo's work extends beyond the realm of academia. As an advisor for Indigenous School Education, he has implemented innovative solutions to improve the lives of his community. One such project involves a water pumping system using a hydraulic ram, which pumps around 6,000 liters of water per day for his community.

The current major challenge for the Baniwa-Koripaco people is ensuring the continuity of their well-being, thinking about sustainable development and necessary knowledge of the territory. Dzoodzo advocates for an education that generates opportunities based on projects developed in the territory without leaving the village.

Dzoodzo's work is also recognised beyond his community and the Amazon. The Bunge Foundation recently awarded him for his scientific work, recognising four researchers studying the climate emergency. His thesis, dedicated to his parents, reflects his mission to make the process of fetching water easier for his community and to translate an impossible world into a possibility for them.

In a remote area of the Amazon, Dzoodzo Baniwa stands as a scientific reference. His activism and leadership in indigenous school education have earned him great recognition, overcoming adversities and fighting and defending his territory. Despite feeling more valued in the indigenous territory than in urban spaces due to discrimination, Dzoodzo continues to make strides in education, science, and the preservation of his culture.

A territorial management plan guides indigenous schools in the region, seeking alliances with universities and research institutes to study sustainable alternatives that can become public policies. This plan reflects the broader recognition of the importance of indigenous knowledge and the role it can play in shaping the future of Brazil.

As Dzoodzo Baniwa awaits the announcement of the Jabuti Prize, his work continues to inspire and impact the lives of countless individuals in the Amazon rainforest and beyond.

Indigenous Researcher Dzoodzo Baniwa Honored for His Contributions to Climate Change Studies