Prince William will deliver a keynote speech today at the United for Wildlife Summit as he continues his trip to Brazil, as ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship explains
The Prince of Wales will announce a new initiative for those defending the Amazon in a speech at his United for Wildlife’s annual summit in Brazil.
William is visiting the South American country for the first time to stage his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday and will also attend the Cop30 UN Climate Change summit in Belem, a city in the Amazon.
United for Wildlife is an umbrella group working to end the illegal wildlife trade, and William will tell delegates about the new initiative for indigenous people and indigenous environmental defenders in Brazil.
William said: “Indigenous peoples and local communities have long been protectors of the world’s most critical ecosystems. But today, their lives are increasingly at risk, and their lands are under mounting threats.
“If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and restoring nature, we must stand with those who defend it.
“Building on the success of our ranger support package, we’re extending this with a new partnership to protect and assist Brazil’s frontline defenders.”
The Amazon is facing deforestation from sectors including agriculture, logging and mining, as well as wildlife trafficking and the building of roads and dams, while those who seek to protect its environment are targeted.
The new initiative aims to build on a ranger insurance package William announced at last year’s Earthshot Prize in South Africa and extend the prince’s commitment to those risking their lives to protect nature.
The five-year financial package, in partnership with Tusk Trust and the Game Ranger Association of Africa, was established to provide 10,000 rangers with access to affordable in-service and medical evacuation insurance cover.
One year into the rollout, the programme is ensuring more than 6,000 rangers across Africa.
It comes after William played barefoot volleyball on an iconic Brazilian beach, telling the next generation of environmental leaders he wants the Earthshot Prize to be “our legacy”.
The prince took off his shoes and socks to join a game with a leading female athlete after a day in Rio de Janeiro, visiting major landmarks and promoting the power of sport to inspire young people.
Earlier, he visited Sugarloaf Mountain, where he was presented with the keys to the city – an honour traditionally given to the Carnival King – and was mobbed by schoolchildren after scoring a penalty at the world-famous Maracanã Stadium.
Kylie Minogue and Canadian singer Shawn Mendes are some of the global stars who will be performing at the Cop30 UN Climate Change summit, including Brazilian music icon and former minister of culture Gilberto Gil.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join William at the star-studded event, where the prince will give the keynote speech, before both men gather with world leaders at Cop30.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
