The sixth episode of the Guardian's Missing in the Amazon podcast, part of the Guardian Investigates series, returns to the heart of the crisis in the Javari valley. The episode, first broadcast on Monday 30 June, confronts a sobering reality: the dangers that led to the deaths of journalist Dom Phillips and Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in 2022 remain as potent as ever.
A Persistent and Lethal Threat
According to Indigenous leader Beto Marubo, if Dom and Bruno were to undertake the same expedition in 2025, they would face identical levels of peril. This stark assessment frames the podcast's urgent investigation. The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips, travels back to the remote region to meet the individuals who, on a daily basis, risk their lives to combat the encroachment of organised crime.
The episode delves into the multifaceted threats plaguing the Amazon, from illegal logging and mining to drug trafficking, which continue to devastate the world's largest rainforest and terrorise its protectors. The central, haunting question posed is: Is it possible to save the Amazon?
Legacy and Continued Investigation
The podcast serves as both a memorial and a call to action. For listeners wishing to connect with Dom Phillips's personal passions, two Spotify playlists have been shared: "Songs for Dom" – a collection inspired by his life – and "The Mixmag Years", featuring house and electronic music he loved.
In the wake of the tragedy, Dom's widow, Alessandra Sampaio, has founded an institute in his name dedicated to promoting education in the Amazon. For those seeking deeper context on the environmental challenges, a recommendation is made to a three-part series by the Guardian's global environment editor, Jon Watts, on the Science Weekly podcast.
Production and Acknowledgements
The series was reported and presented by Tom Phillips, and written by Phillips alongside Joshua Kelly, who also served as series producer. Production was handled by Poppy Damon, Ana Ionova, and Leticia Leite.
The team extends thanks to the many contributors, including Indigenous leaders like Beto Marubo, Orlando Possuelo, and community members, as well as colleagues and family, notably Gareth and Sian Phillips, Beatriz Matos, and Alessandra Sampaio. The poignant artwork for the series was created by Auá Mendes, inspired by the last photograph taken of Dom and Bruno.
