It is with deep condolences that IPAM (Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazônia) says goodbye to Genisvan Melquior André, a partner of the Institute and a Geographic Information System technician at CIR (Conselho Indígena de Roraima), where he worked for 15 years.
From the Macuxi people, TI (Indigenous Land) Raposa Serra do Sol, in Roraima, Genisvan was instrumental in creating the SOMAI-ACI system (Indigenous Amazon Observation and Monitoring System and Indigenous Climate Alert application). The platforms gather, record and disseminate data and information on indigenous territories in the Amazon.
“He taught us to think about ethnomapping, to understand how technology can be of benefit to indigenous peoples. His knowledge about monitoring and territorial protection leaves a legacy for all of us,” says Martha Fellows, a researcher at IPAM’s Center for Indigenous Studies.
His talent was not limited to territorial monitoring: he was a member of the band Caxiri na Cuia, from the Raposa Serra do Sol Indigenous Land, as a keyboard player. The group plays regional forró with lyrics about the culture, struggles and achievements of the indigenous peoples of Roraima.
IPAM is grateful for Genisvan’s friendship and contributions to the Institute and expresses its solidarity with his family, friends and the members of the CIR for their loss.
