(MENAFN) Prince William, the Prince of Wales, sharply criticised the criminal activities driving deforestation in the Amazon rainforest during a speech in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the environmental and social consequences. Speaking at the United for Wildlife conference on Tuesday, he said: "In the past year alone, over 1.7 million hectares of the Amazon were cleared across this region... much of which is driven by illicit activity."

The visit, part of William’s official royal tour of Brazil, included a trip to the small island of Paqueta, home to around 4,000 residents, where he was warmly received by locals and even held a 10-month-old baby. Earlier, the prince participated in public events in Rio, including football at Maracana Stadium and beach volleyball on Copacabana.

The wildlife summit, organised by William, was the first of its kind and aimed to spotlight the harms of environmental crime. During the event, the prince announced a new fund to support wildlife rangers and underscored Latin America’s role as a "global leader in biodiversity and environmental conservation." He added: "This crime fuels violence and corruption, distorts legitimate economies, and negatively impacts the livelihoods of millions."

Ending on a hopeful note, he said: "We must stand alongside those who everyday are standing up and defending nature. We must recognise and celebrate these protectors, not just in words but through our actions. And we must act together."

During his Paqueta visit, William engaged with local residents, visited mangrove restoration sites in Guanabara Bay, and planted saplings to support conservation efforts. He emphasised the importance of protecting these ecosystems, saying: "I hope they grow well. Next time I come all this will all be mangroves."

Paqueta’s mayor praised the visit, noting the island’s strong commitment to environmental protection and William’s lifelong dedication to the cause. The prince is also scheduled to present the Earthshot Prize and speak at COP30, the UN climate conference, later this week.

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