Prince William has condemned criminal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest during a speech in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the urgent need to combat environmental crime as part of his royal visit focused on climate action. His remarks at the United for Wildlife conference highlighted the devastating impact of illicit activities and called for global cooperation to protect nature.
On Tuesday, the Prince of Wales addressed the inaugural United for Wildlife summit, organized as part of his multi-day visit to Brazil. He revealed that over 1.7 million hectares of the Amazon were cleared in the past year alone, much of it driven by criminal gangs engaged in illegal logging and land grabs. William described Latin America as a global leader in biodiversity, but stressed that deforestation fuels violence, corruption, and economic distortions, negatively affecting millions of livelihoods. The summit, the first of its kind, aimed to spotlight the damage from environmental crime and foster solutions.
Earlier in the day, William visited the small island of Paqueta, a car-free community of 4,000 residents known for its environmental consciousness. During a walkabout in the harbor, he was greeted by dozens of locals and even held a 10-month-old baby, joking about not dropping him. Residents expressed excitement over his visit, with one teacher noting the island’s unique, peaceful character and its alignment with the prince’s environmental agenda. This interaction underscored the human side of conservation efforts and the importance of local engagement.
William’s environmental commitments extended to hands-on activities, including planting mangrove saplings in Guanabara Bay as part of restoration efforts. Mangroves are crucial for carbon storage and acting as natural buffers against storms, but they face threats from deforestation. The prince participated in replanting initiatives, expressing hope that the saplings would thrive and transform the area. This practical involvement highlighted the ongoing need for conservation work to preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.
The wildlife summit featured a video message from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, who urged world leaders to unite with courage and ambition in addressing climate change. William announced a new fund for wildlife rangers, aimed at supporting those on the front lines of environmental protection. This initiative recognizes the risks faced by conservationists and aims to bolster their efforts through financial and moral support, reinforcing the summit’s theme of collective action against crime.
William’s visit is strategically timed around key environmental events, including the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Rio, where five projects will each receive £1 million for innovative solutions to repair the planet. Shortlisted entries range from Guangzhou’s electric public transport to Lagos Fashion Week’s sustainable practices. The prince is also scheduled to speak at COP30, the UN climate summit in Belem, marking his first international travel for such an event and following in the footsteps of his father, King Charles III.
In his speech, William ended on an optimistic note, calling for recognition and celebration of nature’s protectors through tangible actions rather than mere words. He emphasized the importance of standing together to defend the environment, reflecting his long-term commitment through initiatives like the Earthshot Prize, which he has pledged to support for a decade. This visit underscores the royal family’s deepening involvement in global climate issues and sets the stage for continued advocacy at international forums.