How did a religious group take over part of the Amazon? | Chasing Deforestation

Host Romi Castagnino travels to the central Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, where a deeply conservative religious group, known as Mennonites, has been illegally deforesting land and encroaching upon Indigenous territories to expand their agricultural fields.
Satellite data show that Mennonite colonies are now the leading cause of large-scale deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon. Romi talks with leaders and members of two Indigenous communities affected by the Mennonite-led deforestation and also visits the Mennonite colony of Masisea, the one responsible for the illegal clearing.
Read the full story: news.mongabay....
Chasing Deforestation is a series that explores the world’s most threatened forests through satellite data and reporters on the ground.
#deforestation #Mennonites #Peru #amazonrainforest #indigenousrights
----
Mongabay is a nonprofit environmental science and conservation news platform that produces original reporting in English, Indonesian, Spanish, French, Hindi, and Brazilian Portuguese.
Check out www.mongabay.com/
Watch more of our videos: / mongabaytv
Subscribe to Mongabay’s newsletter: www.mongabay.c...
Facebook: / mongabay
Twitter: / mongabay
Instagram: / mongabay

[@dakewlwon]

Just saw a documentary on Mennonites moving to Peru, and then saw this. Wow.

[@jnuneha]

Me too

[@TheKristinjackson]

that's how I ended up here too, I saw one person comment that it was biased and then I started looking for more videos, now im bummed at myself for believing that they were really there to do good and preserve the land.

[@zampieritto]

At least they work hard a0nd finally develop that area

[@-moumou-]

@@TheKristinjackson see my comment. I think it’s an unfair judgment

[@Pikasso30000]

Same...literally just watched it and thought....there has to be more to what was in the documentary

[@catlyn7829]

The Mennonites bought the land from a lumber company who cleared the land of all trees of value. The land was deforested when they bought it.

[@halberggb3124]

It would be believable if the Mennonites didn't have a history of depredation of the environment in other countries.

[@Hupambou]

No , they burn them all. The major forest fires in Amazonia are due to them. Here in Bolivia it’s going worst year after year. For soy extensive plantation

[@traviswillis62]

it's not clear from this report whether you're suggesting that the mennonites were in collusion with the regional government in 2015 / 16 when the land was registered as cultivated or if the mennonites bought it in good faith in 2017/18 with permission to farm. I am confused if this group are the "bad guys" or if it's the government for not supporting the indigenous communities and protecting the forest in the first place.

[@Mř.FęęlBąd]

Thiesen, president of the Wanderland Mennonite association, says they acquired the land in good faith for agricultural purposes on the understanding that they would be granted legal titles once the area was cleared for farming

[@johnwaller4397]

Making great use of the land they purchased!

[@sillygirl3972]

Tthey didnt purchase the land..

[@JD-zu2vl]

@@sillygirl3972 Racist

[@barsallo1]

they did it!!! and the lands are agricultural type and please stop the negative propaganda to them and to Peru !!apparently some countries and organizacions are looking were to create problems backed by the left @@sillygirl3972

[@ComeInvestWithMe]

They did, every group the government asked to show documents they had rights to the land. The issue comes from rights to cut down forest, which only some of them were permitted@@sillygirl3972

[@SanCreatividad-pd1pf]

@@sillygirl3972 They did.

[@thefinalroman]

Misinformation They bought deforestation land already stripped bare. They are growing crops for the locals.

[@salyluz6535]

It was not all stripped bare, I have seen the original documentary and I’m an Anabaptist myself so I have heard more details on this. But yes, the land was previously owned by a timber company which had logged out the most desirable timber before the land was sold to the Mennonites. It sounds to me like the Peruvian government, or whatever Dept of it is in charge of selling land, needs to get their act together and make sure the land is property surveyed, and make sure that foreigners who come to purchase land for agricultural reasons understand where the borders are, and what expectations the government has of them. The local communities are very thankful for the dairy products, soy beans, rice, vegetables etc. that the Mennonites produce! Other people are learning from them how to garden and be more self-sufficient. They have improved the safety of local roads by using their tractors to improve the road quality. Mostly they want to live isolated and peaceful lives, growing food and being self-sufficient. If there’s a conflict with tribal people, the government needs to be a middleman and find resolution.

[@dornredd3929]

100% agree.

[@barsallo1]

The left antagonist tried to distract the full reality there . Nothing wrong with this people they bought a land that was already cleared mostly x agriculture

[@wdjones4735]

@@salyluz6535well stated! Looks like Peru is looking for a scapegoat.

[@johnwatkins9383]

As long as they don't get crazy about it then I don't see the problem. I read that the land was timbered years before of money trees and that is why they could farm on it. And all the talk in the video of their machines destroying the land etc. These are mennonites we're talking about! So the heavy equipment they are talking about are small tractors with attachments. They don't even drive cars.

[@sillygirl3972]

they r ruining the ecosystem and dont own the land..

[@sprogg2001]

I assure you a few dozen families are not deforestating the amazon, compared to industrial hardwood tree loggers and cattle ranches

[@gagamba9198]

Fantastic group. I wish the Mennonites all the best.

[@perfectpeterpan]

I hope you're also happy about the tons of immigrants coming to your country because 1) That's as colonisers did so, yeah get behind it since you love it so much; and 2) It is as a result of colonisation (immigrants wouldn't have known about this western countries if you didn't go to their countries first to show them how much supposedly better your way of life is. They would have stayed and fought for the betterment of their communities but why do that when colonisers have brought their way of life to your country and told you yours is crap?). God is of Justice

[@crystalv6122]

They’re not. So much incest, rape and abuse happens in these societies.

[@Neontrifle]

At least they are growing things in place of the forest not like the quest for oil and gold ect..

[@austin4220]

well maybe the Peruvian government shouldn't have illegally stolen and sold that land to someone else... if the Mennonites purchased illegally obtained land that's not their fault and if they want them gone they need restitution

[@paulzeman3945]

No more selling land to the Mennonites . They'll strip it bare

[@celdur4635]

Peruvian government owns the land, it didn't stole it from anyone. Socialists in the government don't want to give titles to the natives.

[@Norcalwtr]

Amazing they made so much progress in a short period of time hard working people.

[@dornredd3929]

I agree. Hard working and earnest people.

[@northman0077]

Food is a wepond against poor. Be happy they make food for the world.

[@step69step69]

rubbish

[@ijrespaldiza3989]

That's false, since 1990 it was already the forest cut down, all the wood industry was there with skitters pulling the trees to the mill. All it's left is just empty areas of tree .

[@xnu17]

in one video..they are located in wanderland peru. it was a secondary forest. which means it can be converted to agricultural land. unlike primary rainforest. they also bring in economy to the local villages.

[@bryanobrien2726]

This particular video seems to be more of a propaganda and conspiracy video .

[@perfectpeterpan]

They've just told you, in this documentary, that they have now been moving into primary forest. Do you not have ears?

[@Mř.FęęlBąd]

Thiesen, president of the Wanderland Mennonite association, says they acquired the land in good faith for agricultural purposes on the understanding that they would be granted legal titles once the area was cleared for farming

[@mohammadsaif542]

long life Mennonites ✌👍 great people happy for them 😊

[@bryanobrien2726]

I just watched another video about this community and the neighboring villager interviewed loved the Mennonites saying they gave support to the local people where the government does not .

[@perfectpeterpan]

Giving support so that you can then take a lot more is not a good thing Mr.

[@ImagesofJosephSmithJun.]

Amen

[@ImagesofJosephSmithJun.]

@@perfectpeterpanThe mennonites are not corporate money hungry businessmen, they literally believe in only having what you need and look up how many people starve because the gov't controlled economy, read about socialized countries starving people so bad they began eating the animals in the ZOO! People will literally trade and be able to EAT because of these religious group!!!

[@bryanobrien2726]

@@perfectpeterpan They aren't taking anything , they are legally purchasing everything that they have and giving back even though they don't have to .

[@dianags7623]

In México no more, they are destroying the tropical forest and indigenous people want them to leave

[@tinafeasel9911]

All this destruction because someone wanted to use a cellphone 🤬

[@attysthoughts3253]

yup... one example, the host

[@Smarteagle2008]

I love Mennonites.

[@rainhartwenkler8408]

❤Mennonites are following the true god, not the false idol of "climate god" a.k.a. Tammuz or Baal as the rest of the west sadly enough does... May god bless them and destroy all their enemies.

[@sillygirl3972]

please.they hav man made rules.not on gods path at all

[@hammshenanigans5553]

Mennonites are a money hungry people. They follow the Bible very literally in some places but not all; and really only when it suits them(the men anyways). These people use their religion to hide their true way of living. Not all mennonites are bad. No. there is so much good. But, specifically to this group of mennonites: If these people had left Bolivia because they wanted to live somewhere quiet and live off the land to survive, great. But they moved here so they could have their strict religion where the world will leave them alone(which hides so much abuse), and so they can make money. They don't plant crops to feed their families and communities, they plant crops to make money. Lots of it. They don't really care about other people as a whole. the mennonites see themselves as God's chosen people and all other people are worldly people(Gentiles).

[@paolovolponi1968]

Thank you Romi and Mongabay

[@smegheadGOAT]

The Mennonites land is called secondary forest it had been logged for hardwood when they paid for it

[@LittleDogfan101]

History repeating itself, just like what happened with the United States.

[@jovanyt6680]

Actually as a half mennonite that probably probably not gonna happen becuase the mennonites go to live in Peru in order to escpape from the modern world and soon peru is not gonna take in any more mennonites into the country just like Bolivia did these days Bolivia is not accepting one single mennonite into the country and soon Peru will do the same

[@LittleDogfan101]

@@jovanyt6680 I really hope they just don't take anymore at all. The minute deforestation is at play, just...no.

[@jovanyt6680]

@@LittleDogfan101 very soon bro very soon as long as the government comes to an agreement

[@jynxjynx7014]

It's a loop. It never ended as always been happening. They have been moving around from place to place doing the same thing. Before they came to Peru they were in Belize and another place. These are just the descendants of the same people who've always done what they've been doing. It's up to the people that they invade to stop letting them step foot on their soil. Drive them right back to the Sea and let them go back home to Europe. Just a cancer on the planet but I guess when the biosphere is gone and none of us can breathe again they'll start charging us for oxygen. That's probably the goal anyway

[@jovanyt6680]

@@jynxjynx7014 on one hand its good that the mennonites stop taking the forest but on the other hand they cant go back to europe because theyre gonna die and they supply so much dairy products here in belize and have so many mechanics that its not gonna be the same if there are no longer mennonites

[@jeffgkinzel]

peruvian govt partially to blame

[@selebogokhune]

All I ask are the coordinates on the map to prove the deforestation. I followed on the map but the video has a different map it appears. Send actual coordinates.

[@lelouch2364]

Imagine if the europeans took to arms to investigate if migrants have come to their city or village in Europe, it would be news in the whole world and called racist, yet these people are doing the same in what is basically an ethnostate(racist)...

[@jobloluther]

Yeah. They hate to see Germans who have many children, participate in the economy and become more and more numerous.

[@josejonhson674]

They do, europeans are biggest hypocrites in the world. They hate Africans and arabs moving into their countries but feel entitled to move to any part of the world and do as they please.

[@jo9932]

@@josejonhson674 Where do you see Europeans moving to Pakistan or Nigeria? It's clearly a one way migration

[@perfectpeterpan]

Actually. The Europeans literally do that all the time. All we've been hearing from European and American governments and news channels talk about is the problem of immigration. What rock are you living under? Do you not watch the news at all?

[@lelouch2364]

Well when did Europeans took up arms to attack migrants? You are literally comparing 2 very different things. And not to even talk about the % of migrants. Just accept that the so called "indigenous" of south america are a bunch of racists.@@perfectpeterpan

[@Bulbul_Importun]

great stuff thanks for the work

[@welvinrc]

Tsk. What a disappointment. Ive watched a docu about mennonites a while ago and was so curios of their progress and found this vid. Just as I thought, they bought the land from fixers, but i did not expect them to destroy the forest this big. I thought theyre also conservative of the forest. Well, they dont go to school but i wonder why the machinery, they seem intellegent than many skilled workers. So sad...

[@thefinalroman]

The land was already deforestation land. They bought it from a logging company

[@Byronic19134]

They didn't destroy anything this is propaganda

[@JD-zu2vl]

You are a racist

[@barsallo1]

EXACTLY@@Byronic19134

[@Ada_Isabella]

This is BAD! You can’t deforest this much land and destroy native land, especially primary forests. Peru must protect the native land and forests.

[@MaartenAmerica]

Since 2011, the Canadian multinational Iamgold has owned the Rosebel gold mine, the largest gold concession in Suriname. With an area of ​​170 km2, any comments?

[@ang9968]

I will never buy anything from peru again. What racists.

[@cornelmesesan936]

Dacă menonoții distilau alcool și sinteziau droguri,localnicii aceia fără nici o inițiativă ,decât de a lua ceva de-a gata(fructe ,pește și vânat),i-ar fi iubit “la maximum”… Așa…i-ar expropia rapid să le ia fermele și drumurile gata puse la punct… Totdeauna puturoșii nu pot suporta inițiativa ,hărnicia și prosperitatea…Dumnezeu să-i protejeze și binecuvinteze pe frații menonoți!!!

[@ijrespaldiza3989]

But this jung lady don't abut the coca plantacions in peruvian border with colombia 😅

[@factcheck5224]

If they are “shunning” modern technology why are they using those diesel powered tractors?!? I grew up in Michigan (USA) and the Mennonite and Amish communities around us and in neighboring States (Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York) ALL used large horses to pull their plows. I watched another documentary where the Mennonites settling in Peru claimed they bought the land from a company that had already cut down the “primary” timber. While it is legal to turn that type of land into residential and agricultural use they did not get any permits from the Peruvian Government. Just because you want to not be a part of modern society does not mean you can ignore the other people.

[@dopecat4012]

You do know how corrupt the Peruvian government is? It's obvious they knew the Mennonites were going to colonize and farm the land, that always involves cutting away brush. The local lazy officials saw all the hard work and the potential for squeezing more money out of the Mennonites so they came up with all this bs.

[@salyluz6535]

Many plain groups, including Old Order Brethren and Old Order Mennonites are allowed to use steel wheeled tractors in the field and for very limited transportation. In some parts of the USA, Old Order Amish have even chosen to allow that freedom. This is because these are groups who have settled in areas that are very hot, or extremely humid or dry in addition to high heat, where often the weather would be too hard on large draft horses to survive and work in the field all day. So this is an accommodation to prevent the suffering of draft animals. I grew up surrounded by Old Order Amish, and I am Anabaptist.

[@sillygirl3972]

Right

[@nameundefined4317]

if mega millionares and billionares weren't hording unoccupied unused land we wouldn't have this shit show with menonites killing all the trees in the world

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

I hope the locals end this.

[@sandrasnow3569]

How? By killing off the innocent Mennonites wishing to live their faith in peace and who are just growing crops on an infinitesimal portion of the rain forest-- a portion that does not encroach on protected land whatsoever?

[@lelouch2364]

There is no such thing as locals or natives dont be racist.

[@karrobat8260]

@@lelouch2364r u serious? The locals *are* the natives, these mennonites r just invaders that came 2-3 years ago and are by no means the true people of that land

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

@@lelouch2364 You're delusional it's not racist to say local's or native's. Sounds like you don't even know the definition of that word.

[@rainhartwenkler8408]

yeah, the locals might take the land from the mennonites and start a good gold mine - with mercury applied - like the rest of Peru LOL.

[@trishabidesi8604]

I just watched a Documentary about the Mennonites moving to the Amazon. Now the very second video was this. I was happy for the mennonited but now that i hear this I SIDE WITH THE NATIVE AMERICANS. THE FOREST NEEDS TO BE LEFT ALONE. THE ANIMALS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY HUMANS EVERYWHERE. AT LEAST LEAVE THE AMAZON ALONE.

[@sandrasnow3569]

This video is deceptive. The portion the Mennonites are living in is so minuscule and not in a 'protected' area. They are living peaceably and growing crops and raising animals that will benefit them and the people in surrounding areas as well. Heck, they may benefit the surrounding animals as well. In short, the rain forest will be fine. The rain forest animals will also be fine. Let us care about people with the same vigor that we do the few animals that had to move over a few inches and really don't mind sharing the space with the Mennonites.

[@karrobat8260]

@@sandrasnow3569hat’s a lie, why do u think the government fined them 14 million soles in damages, they destroyed around 3k+ acres and are now the number one leading cause of deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon

[@rudolfkasanpawiro644]

@Sandra Snow I agree. Sad thing. Very deceptive.

[@perfectpeterpan]

@@sandrasnow3569 And I am guessing you know what you're saying because you study plants and animals as a profession? People on the internet talking because they feel like about what they know nothing about. Deceptive.

[@em945]

This is almost bazaar. This is how history has happened, so obvious. Amazing article. Would be brilliant if the Mennonites would have a spiritual experience and care for the land rather than rape and pillage. Wishing everyone involved well.

[@Keckegenkai]

This video is deceptive. The portion the Mennonites are living in is so minuscule and not in a 'protected' area. They are living peaceably and growing crops and raising animals that will benefit them and the people in surrounding areas as well. Calling them out specifically is histerical all the while acting like their goverment isnt doing the same

[@dopecat4012]

These Mennonites are getting issues from the corrupt Peruvian government, they're being accused of "illegally" deforesting the Peruvian Amazon, even though they own the land fair and square, and the agreement was always that they were going to colonize the land and farm it, that always involves cutting away brush. Basically the government saw all the hard work the Mennonites are doing and stimulating the rural forgotten local economy, so they did a "180", and now the lazy local "officials" want a piece of the action. People running this channel should be ashamed of themselves for spreading corrupt propaganda.

[@Byronic19134]

What the hell? They are caring for the land and making it living. They are also making micro economies that help all the locals. And a spiritual experience? All they do is work for God.

[@Kneißle]

Don't blindly believe everything the media tells you.

[@em945]

@@Kneißle of course. Also question the agenda of a comment like yours that chooses to create doubt about integrtity of a Journalistic piece without evidence supporting that doubt.

[@factcheck5224]

The documentary I watched of a group of Mennonites leaving Belize because the community there had gotten too “modern” showed a relatively small (100 families) community at Tierra Blanca. A big deal was made about how they had no electricity or running water. Now I watch this and they have obviously spread FAR beyond that area into other parts of the Amazon Rain Forest and onto Indigenous People’s Lands. They also have a lot of “modern” conveniences like refrigerators. 😡

[@dopecat4012]

These Mennonites are getting issues from the corrupt Peruvian government, they're being accused of "illegally" deforesting the Peruvian Amazon, even though they own the land fair and square, and the agreement was always that they were going to colonize the land and farm it, that always involves cutting away brush. Basically the government saw all the hard work the Mennonites are doing and stimulating the rural forgotten local economy, so they did a "180", and now the lazy local "officials" want a piece of the action. People running this channel should be ashamed of themselves for spreading corrupt propaganda.

[@salyluz6535]

Many communities like this have refrigerators that run on Natural gas, solar powered battery banks and other sources besides electric. Even Old Order Amish have these. If they need to store milk at safe temperatures and if they are making dairy products to sell, which is what I have seen, they probably are required to have some form of refrigeration. These 2 Mennonite groups moved to Peru from other nations and purchase land specifically to clear and use for agricultural purposes. Government officials in Peru knew that before they came down. If the exact borders of tribal areas were not made clear to them, that seems to be the error of whoever sold them land. Doesn’t the Peruvian government, or local department thereof which sells land make such things clear to foreign purchasers, who they know are coming specifically for agricultural reasons?? I do know that before they moved the land was previously owned by timber companies that took out the most valuable types of trees, so the forest land had already been selectively cut- at least this is what the Mennonites were told.

[@Byronic19134]

You should thank them they are making the land living and it can become a haven when the government collapses.

[@holdinmuhl4959]

@@Byronic19134 , the indians shall thank them? Would you thank somebody who comes and destroys your live?

[@JD-zu2vl]

Racist!

[@paulcuffee4266]

This is how Columbus discover America

[@-moumou-]

No, that was slavery, torture, murder, and rape. This is an unarmed group of people trying to live and be left alone. It’s not a fair comparison.

[@shawneenhammer4241]

@@-moumou- it is the same they're armed with the disguise of religion and honor it is how they kill off the people by acquiring their land and eliminating the people's way of life. But they do a good job of disguising it to those on the outside.. which is obvious by your statement 😢🫵

[@thefinalroman]

​@@-moumou- that was the savage locals who killed Columbus men.

[@christianmama2441]

To compare a couple of Mennonites doing agriculture on land they bought to Columbus's generation....this is ridiculous. Go back and read some detailed history on the Spanish colonization of the Americas.....you're clueless and it shows.

[@william6509]

So sad to hear this😢😢

[@JD-zu2vl]

Racist

[@barsallo1]

It is a lie ! this people bought the land legally!!

[@deewatson5075]

All countries have been colonized. No one country is pure sorry it’s just life and moving people

[@bryanobrien2726]

This is a propaganda channel full of conspiracy and finger pointing , in this case they use colonization as an excuse to justify demonizing foreigners moving in legally .

[@deewatson5075]

The same way people are colonizing the USA by law

[@perfectpeterpan]

I hope you're also happy about the tons of immigrants coming to your country because 1) That's as colonisers did so, yeah get behind it since you love it so much; and 2) It is as a result of colonisation (immigrants wouldn't have known about this western countries if you didn't go to their countries first to show them how much supposedly better your way of life is. They would have stayed and fought for the betterment of their communities but why do that when colonisers have brought their way of life to your country and told you yours is crap?)

[@perfectpeterpan]

For all those supporting the menonite colonial movement in the comments, I hope you're also happy about the tons of immigrants coming to your country because 1) That's as colonisers did so, yeah get behind that too since you love it so much; and 2) It is as a result of colonisation (immigrants wouldn't have known about this western countries if you didn't go to their countries first to show them how much supposedly better your way of life is. They would have stayed and fought for the betterment of their communities but why do that when colonisers have brought their way of life to your country and told you yours is crap?)

[@crystalv6122]

I blame the Peruvian government for allowing. You can’t do something unless the government allows you to do so.

[@albertito77]

Looks like the Mennonites need to branch out into other, less land hungry businesses. It is not clear from this that the Mennonites settlers knew about the dodgy manner in which the local officials made their land available for purchase.

[@Mř.FęęlBąd]

Thank you for your non ignorant comment good sir 🫡 The problem is not Mennonites vs Villagers smh… it’s the government and dodgy business men out there selling off deforested land or land for deforestation… fucked up what money can do

[@henridekker9132]

And now they are infiltrating Suriname as well 😢

[@jo9932]

Native communities and maroons have been fighting each other for centuries there. Maybe the government can finally define the borders when they arrive. Hopefully

[@HAm-ru8qk]

I really would like to see mennonites in Suriname but they will not be there anytime soon

[@JD-zu2vl]

Racist

[@ComeInvestWithMe]

South America need more diversity, the Mennonites will do that job very well

[@peterkneudorf-tb7wl]

BS

[@justincatanoso3367]

Great reporting , Romi, on a story of utmost importance to Peru and Amazonia.

[@alvapazz]

impressive reporting, thanks

[@astralclub5964]

I think the Mennonites need a good talking to. Perhaps a bit more.

[@janicesmith2475]

☠️