Help the FUMDHAM and the Serra da Capivara National Park

Presidente Luiz Ignбcio Lula da Silva

For many years the Fundaзгo Museu do Homem Americano (FUMDHAM) helped the study, preservation and management of the Serra da Capivara National Park. FUMDHAM is not only one of the foremost archaeological institutes in the Americas but a jewel in the Brazilian research tradition, and represents one of your internationally most renowned scientific and cultural assets.

The National Park is famous internationally for containing some of the most important archaeological and rock art sites on your continent, including Toca do Boqueirгo do Sнtio da Pedra Furada, Sнtio do Meio, Cima dos Pilгo, Baixгo da Perna and Caiзaras. This is the reason why, in 1991, it was accepted to be part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list.

The lack of funds was always countered with the extraordinary dedication of its scientific team and the wonderful spirit of the people of Sгo Raimundo Donato, not least those involved in the Park. Years of great work transform the area in a model admired around the world. The park is not only a paradise for the lovers of prehistoric art, a treasure for archaeologists or a safe haven for animals and plants. Through the work of the FUMDHAM, the park is also today a motor of local sustainable development. Jobs were created, schools maintained, local products promoted--in one word, Progress.

It is with great preoccupation that we received news of the threatened closure, due to lack of funding, of the many good works of the foundation.

We appeal to you to consider the repercussions of the closure of one of your country's most respected research institutes internationally and especially, to the protection of the area of the Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara

Thank you for considering this appeal.