For the first time, indigenous Amazonian tribesmen, long isolated by their location deep within the rainforest, will have access to the internet and telephone. The system, which includes a VSAT satellite dish, was installed by the System of Protection of the Amazon (SIPAM) to enable a closer monitoring of illegal logging operations. Up until now, indigenous tribes were aware of deforestation taking place on protected land but had little recourse to combat the problem--now they can twitter about it instantaneously.

SIPAM reports that the two main tribes in the region, the Kawahara and Piripkura of central Brazil, are pleased with their new connectivity.

Gold Vitorinha of SIPAM:

According to the coordination of indigenous groups, the use of the Internet will be very important to organize expeditions to the site.