This week, Joenia Wapichana, head of Brazil’s federal indigenous agency Funai, emphasized the need for increased funding during a public hearing with House lawmakers. The agency has faced financial challenges, with a meager discretionary budget of BRL 225 million (USD 41 million) in 2023 for the entire country.
Funai’s expenditures in 2023 totaled BRL 577 million, with a significant portion allocated to employee salaries, benefits, and pensions. The agency’s largest recent discretionary expense is a BRL 68 million contract with Infraero to enhance airstrips in the Yanomami indigenous land.
The plea for additional funding comes at a critical time, as Funai plays a crucial role in protecting and supporting indigenous communities across Brazil. Increased financial resources are essential to ensure the agency can effectively carry out its mandate.
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