The destruction of the rainforest is a huge threat to the existence of the Karipuna indigenous people, since the forest is a life giving force for the community.
The Karipuna Indigenous Land, located in the municipalities of Nova Mamoré and Porto Velho, in Rondônia state, has been rapidly destroyed by the ostensive invasion of loggers and grileiros (land grabbers). Although it was recognized as an Indigenous Land by Brazilian government in 1988, over 11,000 hectares of the Amazon forest have already been destroyed; 80% in the last three years alone. Even the sale of lots has been carried out by the invaders. The Karipuna are a indigenous people of recent contact with surrounding society, and were almost extinct in the 1970s. Currently, the Karipuna population totals 58 people.