Prince William to Support Indigenous Amazon Defenders

William, who is in Brazil for the award ceremony of his multimillion-dollar environmental prize, said communities have long protected the world's vital ecosystems, but now face increasing threats to their lives and land.

"If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and restoring nature, we must stand with those who defend it," the prince said in a statement.

 He arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to shift focus from his uncle Andrew's scandal to issues within the royal family.

 The prince's United for Wildlife Foundation said that thousands of environmental advocates have gone missing or lost their lives over the past decade, and indigenous communities have been disproportionately targeted.

 This new initiative in Brazil will build on a five-year financial package announced last year by William, in partnership with two other organizations, to provide affordable insurance coverage to 10,000 rangers across Africa.