This exhibition is showing at Terminal One, Dublin Airport until 31st October 2012.
The Gran Chaco – the second largest forest reserve in South America after the Amazon and covering parts of Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia is the victim of rapid deforestation. Earlier this year with the help of Irish Aid, photographer Paul Kelly and journalist Fionuala Cregan visited some of the 25 different indigenous ethnic groups who for centuries lived in harmony with their environment but today have been forced from their lands by cattle ranchers and soya farmers. Enxet Sur leaders like Beningno Rojas are leading the struggle to have indigenous ancestral land rights fulfilled and their territory returned to them. Some have succeeded – others are still fighting. This collaboration highlights both through portraits and words the strength of their resolve, the power of hope and inspires us, the viewer, to learn more about this historic struggle.
