The chief of an endangered Amazon tribe unveiled the product of an unusual partnership with Google Inc. that pairs high tech with indigenous knowledge in an effort to rescue ancient rain forests and a dying culture.
Almir Surui, speaking at the 20th annual Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, showcased Google Earth images years in the making that throw into sharp relief the rapid encroachment of illegal mining and logging onto his people’s 600,000-acre reserve.
The data-rich maps include layers of videos, pictures, text and historical markers gathered by tribe members. It underscored the importance of the land and propelled the Surui people’s efforts to become self-sufficient.
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