On Rio Beachfront, Singing Protesters March in Defense of the Amazon 

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Thousands of singing protesters met yesterday in Ipanema. The march was to protest the ongoing fires ravaging the Amazon rainforest.

The protest, organized by the environmental conservation organization #342 Amazonia, marched along the city’s beachfront. The march started in Ipanema and moved along the iconic Avenida Vieira Souto to Leblon.

Among the protesters, many well-known faces were seen: Pulitzer prize-winning US journalist Glenn Greenwald, his partner congressman David Maranda, and congressman Alessandro Molon. The famous Brazilian actors: Sérgio Marone, Maria Paula, and Aline Moraes were marching, wearing t-shirts and holding signs representing #342 Amazonia.

The crowds were non-violent with many families with young children. Many children themselves participated, brandishing handmade signs and forming a group.

Around the children, a human shield was established to ensure their safety throughout the protest as the crowds grew.

Music was used to portray a salient message of a peaceful protest. A band was among the marchers. The crowds sang harmoniously to samba classics by famous Brazilian musicians Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. Music was used throughout the protest, creating a strong feeling of unity among the thousands of protesters.

There were no police clashes during the protest, with police presence at a minimum.

Who is #342 Amazonia?

#342 Amazonia is a group that promotes awareness of political environment decisions made by the Brazilian government that relates to health and the environment. The group has organized protests in Brazil and upcoming protests in Portugal, in defense of the Amazon. Singer Alicia Keys has previously shown her support of the group.

The #342 is a reference to the quorum needed for the Chamber of Deputies to vote on the impeachment of public officials. A sister organization, 342 Artes, protests censorship in Brazil.