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A recent study in Communications Earth & Environment shows that areas of the Amazon designated for Indigenous peoples, when well-maintained, experience lower incidences of diseases. The findings highlight the importance of Indigenous land rights for health and climate goals, especially ahead of the UN climate summit in Brazil this November.
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South American teams Bolivia and Venezuela secured notable wins, with Bolivia defeating Brazil 1-0 and Venezuela losing to Colombia 6-3. Portugal and Norway achieved important victories in European qualifiers, while Jamaica and Honduras lead their regional groups. The qualification race for the 2026 World Cup continues with key matches across continents.
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Two recent bus crashes in South America have resulted in at least 48 deaths and dozens of injuries. In Ecuador, a bus fell 150 meters, killing 12. In Peru, a bus collided with a truck, falling over 200 meters and killing 36 on impact. Reckless driving and road conditions are key factors.
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African teams Morocco and Tunisia have secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup, while South Africa and Nigeria face critical qualification matches. In South America, Bolivia and Colombia are vying for playoff spots, with Venezuela's coaching overhaul following a defeat. Qualification races are intense across regions.
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Illegal gold mining in Peru's Amazon has surged since COVID-19, contaminating rivers with mercury. Scientific tests show high mercury levels in fish and residents, risking health and food security. Authorities face pressure to enforce laws amid rising gold prices and violence against environmental defenders.
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Peru has declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima following violent protests over crime and government instability. President Jeri announced the measure after protests turned deadly, with one protester shot dead. The government aims to combat rising homicides and extortion, amid widespread public discontent and political upheaval.
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Morocco faces protests led by Gen Z activists over corruption, inequality, and government spending. Similar youth-led movements have erupted in Madagascar, Nepal, Peru, and other countries, often leaderless and driven by social media. Authorities are cracking down, including banning platforms like Discord in Jordan amid fears of unrest.
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On November 16, 2025, Ecuadorians voted against allowing foreign military bases, including US bases, with 61% opposing the measure. This referendum defeat is a political setback for President Daniel Noboa, who supports foreign cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Concurrently, Wilmer Chavarria, leader of the Los Lobos cartel, was arrested in Spain after faking his death and coordinating criminal activities from Europe.
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Indigenous communities and local producers in the Amazon are gaining visibility at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Initiatives include sourcing food from traditional farmers for the summit, highlighting land rights issues, and protesting infrastructure projects that threaten their territories amid ongoing climate negotiations.
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Peruvian ex-president Pedro Castillo was sentenced to nine years in prison and barred from public office for two years, after being convicted of corruption related to awarding contracts during his tenure as governor. Castillo, who was in custody since December 2022, plans to appeal. His former ministers also received prison sentences.
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Ahead of Chile's December 14 presidential runoff, far-right candidate Kast has issued threats to deport undocumented migrants, prompting border closures and a surge of migrants into Peru. Peru's government has declared a state of emergency at the border amid growing tensions and migration flows.