How to Save Amazon: A Reflection on a Tragic Journey
On a stark page, two wooden crosses mark a somber clearing in Brazil’s Amazon. One belongs to Bruno Pereira, and the other to Dominique Phillips, an author dedicated to environmental issues. This image splits the book, with vibrant prose from Phillips leading up to a tragic event. Friends and former colleagues have come together to ensure that Phillips’ important work continues.
Located near the Itacquay River, the cross symbolizes the spot where Pereira and Phillips were murdered on June 5, 2022. While navigating small motorboats down the Shimokawa River, they encountered violence. Pereira was shot three times, and Phillips suffered a close-range shot to the chest. Reports say his last word was simply “no,” moments before the attack took his life.
However, that wasn’t the full extent of Phillips’ story. He left behind not only a half-finished manuscript but also abundant notes filled with reflections from his countless expeditions and interviews. His aspirations were recorded in numerous binders, echoing his profound commitment to the Amazon.
A committee was formed to uphold his legacy, including Phillips’ widow, Alessandra Sampio, and several journalists and representatives. They acknowledge the heavy impact of the tragedy, stating, “There is nothing good about such a vicious murder.” A two-year investigation concluded in 2024 with federal charges against those said to orchestrate illegal fishing and poaching, despite their denials of involvement.
Half of Phillips’ book, *How to Save Amazon*, begins where his life ended—during an expedition to Habari Valley alongside Pereira. The threat of death loomed from the outset, and Phillips frequently contemplated his mortality. He describes the dangers posed by indigenous peoples and various wildlife, alongside the threats from illegal miners and traffickers. Habari Valley, home to isolated indigenous communities, becomes a canvas where Phillips’ passion for the Amazon is richly illustrated. His experience tasting roasted monkey meat is one example of his vivid storytelling.
The urgency of saving the Amazon can’t be overstated. A significant portion—20%—of Brazil’s Amazon has been deforested in recent decades, nearing a critical threshold that could transform it into a savannah, with grave consequences for the environment at large.
The evil ecosystem of crime and inadequate regulations fuel this destruction, draining the Amazon’s natural wealth. Phillips elaborates on the system: individuals illegally exploit the land, then set fire to what remains to make way for cattle farming, leveraging Brazilian property laws that link ownership and productivity closely.
Could better laws reverse this trend? While farmers are mandated to maintain 80% of their land under forest cover, violations abound, and illegal activities flourish. Phillips expressed cautious hope regarding agroforestry, a method that mimics forest systems and rehabilitates cleared land, although many of his ideas remain somewhat vague. Tragically, his vision was cut short when he and Pereira confronted the very threats he had documented so thoughtfully.
“These pages are blood-stained,” reflected one of his collaborators. “The murder inflicted a deep wound on this book, one that solidarity alone cannot heal.” The final chapters in the book feature contributions from various writers who navigate Phillips’ struggle through prose that resonates with both brilliance and heartbreak. Ultimately, the narratives reflect both the beauty and devastation of the Amazon itself.
