The Amazon Communications Team (ACT) is an initiative of Amazon Watch. ACT will provide on-site training and public relations services to indigenous communities on the front lines: those defending their homelands from imminent destructive development. Using digital camera equipment and satellite communications technology, ACT will enable partner groups to convey compelling images and narrative to domestic and international news media. Our partners'' regions are so remote that it is currently expensive and difficult, if not impossible, to convey information rapidly during times of conflict.
The program has two components:
-The Mobile Team brings expertise and equipment (satellite phones, computers, and digital cameras) to remote rainforest groups, who otherwise would not be able to get their story out to the media and the international community.
-ACT trains Amazonian indigenous and environmental leaders in areas including: visually documenting environmental and human rights impacts, writing effective press releases, and using the internet and email as a international connection.
ACT members include professionals in the fields of public relations, web publishing, grassroots organizing, and human rights law.