The Mirror’s Royal Editor Russell Myers has joined Prince William today on a visit to Paqueta Island close to Rio in Brazil, where he has revealed a new environmental promise made by the Prince of Wales
Russell Myers shares update from Prince William’s second day in Brazil
Prince William has pledged to defend those looking after the Amazon and will announce a brand new initiative in Brazil today. The Prince of Wales will attend United for Wildlife’s annual summit as part of his visit to Rio de Janeiro, which saw him visit Paqueta Island earlier.
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 later this evening. William will say: “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.
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“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.
It comes as William is in Rio this week to celebrate and host his Earthshot Prize environmental awards, taking place in Latin America for the first time.
Earlier today, during his island visit, William managed to catch a baby who was thrust towards him during a walkabout in Brazil, joking that they “mustn’t drop him!” before giving him a cuddle.
It came as the prince was mobbed by locals taking selfies and handing babies over for him to cuddle after he sailed to the Brazilian island of Paqueta on board a Brazilian Navy speed boat on the second day of his South America trip.
The Prince of Wales was greeted with screams of “welcome to Brazil” ahead of his tour of island a hour from Rio de Janeiro.
As part of his three-day tour of Rio, the future king travelled to Paqueta to hear about the efforts of locals battling to protect their environment, helping to clean and protect the region’s waters and wildlife.
The tiny island, home to less than 4,000 people, is the birthplace of Brazilian and West Ham footballer Lucas Paqueta, a hero to the local community.
William helped several young children come to the front of the walkabout, bending down to be in photographs with them and occasionally borrowing a phone to take the selfie himself.
The island, which has around 5,000 residents, has declared the visit “The Day of the Prince”, with children clamouring to be off school to see him. Asked about any previous royal visitors, one local looked back to 1555 when the Portugeuse Crown landed.
