A book started by Dom Phillips, an international journalist and contributor to The Guardian, who tragically passed away in the Amazon in June of last year while working on the book, will be released in April 2025.

The title of the book is How to Preserve the Amazon: Seek Advice from Experts. It is being written by a team of writers and environmentalists. The authors were recently honored with a Whiting creative nonfiction grant on Wednesday, making it the first time that the $40,000 (£32,000) grant has been awarded to a joint effort.

The Whiting foundation grant judges stated that Phillips’ investigation into the “environmental destruction in the Amazon, which he completed before his untimely death, showcases remarkable levels of entry and a strong sense of moral inquisitiveness.”

According to them, it is uncommon to come across travel literature that genuinely reveals something new to the reader. The feeling of exploration – and, inevitably, danger – is strongly felt.

Phillips and Bruno Pereira, an expert in Brazilian Indigenous affairs, were both killed. Prosecutors allege that Pereira was specifically targeted for assisting Indigenous activists in protecting their land from illegal fishing and mining groups. In October, a judge decided that three fishermen charged with the murders will be tried by a jury.

Earlier this year, it was announced by Phillips’ family, friends, and colleagues that his work would be finished, pending the receipt of funds for reporting trips to the Amazon. Through an online fundraiser, over £24,000 was raised.

Manilla Press, a division of Bonnier Books UK, will release the book which aims to highlight the vast diversity of the Amazon and offer potential solutions for preserving its ecosystem. This will be achieved through perspectives and insights from those who call the Amazon home.

The individuals responsible for finishing the task are Jonathan Watts, the worldwide environment editor for the Guardian, Tom Phillips, the Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, Kátia Brasil, the creator of Amazônia Real, and Andrew Fishman, the president and co-founder of Intercept Brasil.

Justine Taylor, editorial manager at Bonnier, expressed excitement about obtaining Dom’s book. Dispatches from the Amazon were received periodically as he wrote them, revealing the significance of this book. It immersed us in the stunning landscape and shed light on the efforts of the locals who reside there. It also provided us with ideas on how we can contribute to the restoration of this crucial ecosystem.

The news of Dom and Bruno’s passing was unexpected and deeply saddening for their loved ones. However, we are grateful and honored that Jonathan Watts and his team will carry on Dom’s legacy through their contributions.

Source: theguardian.com