If there has been one day out here that has reflected the spirit and passion of all the diverse groups fighting to get soya out of the Amazon, it was today. We joined a march of nearly 1000 people from indigenous and local communities throughout Santarem who are trying to stop Cargill destroying their livelihoods and way of life.
When we arrived in town it was still early but hundreds of people were already gathering in the market place for the start of the march - many of them had travelled for more than 24 hours to get there.
The atmosphere was vibrant. At one end of the square, a blue open-topped truck carrying community leaders played Brazilian music for the crowd and everywhere there were banners against Cargill and against the destruction of their forest. Given the intimidation that these communities face on a daily basis, it was a staggering display of resilience and bravery.
And we were welcomed with open arms. Disembarking from the inflatable, we were greeted with a spontaneous round of applause from those on the jetty in support of our action against Cargill. Moreover, many in the crowd wore our t-shirts and had written "Greenpeace" on their bodies. There were also banners with encouraging messages - one read "100% Greenpeace", a reference to our own "100% Crime" slogan.
And then the march itself, from the market place to Cargill's illegal export facility. Community leaders on board the truck led the demonstration, using microphones to talk to the crowd and share stories about the impacts on people as a result of forest destruction. Each speaker concluded by calling on Cargill to get out of the town, the Amazon and Brazil, making everyone cheer in response, chanting key phrases while they danced to the music.
Throughout the march people remained buoyant and peaceful. The only disruption came from about 50 soya farmers who tried to interrupt the proceedings but were quickly frustrated by the police.
Greenpeace helped organise the event and once everyone arrived at the facility, we provided food for the hungry marchers while the music and speeches continued. And so, in the burning midday sun, we ate in solidarity, sharing smiles and water, before the long journey home.
