Indigenous Leader Condemns Science Museum's BP Sponsorship for Pantanal Exhibition

Indigenous Leader Speaks Out Against Oil Sponsorship

Ninawa Huni Kui, a prominent Indigenous leader of the Huni Kui (Kaxinawá) people from Acre, Brazil, has publicly condemned the Science Museum in London for accepting sponsorship from oil giant BP. The criticism comes ahead of the museum's new exhibition, 'Water, Pantanal, Fire,' which is set to open on February 6, 2026, and focuses on the severely threatened Pantanal ecosystem.

Huni Kui, a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice, stated, 'These funds are dirty funds—indeed, stained with blood. The blood of communities that are completely destroyed by the actions of oil companies.' His remarks underscore the deep contradiction perceived by many between the exhibition's theme and its corporate backing.

'Water, Pantanal, Fire' Exhibition Highlights Ecological Crisis

The 'Water, Pantanal, Fire' exhibition is a free photography display featuring over 60 striking images by leading Brazilian documentary photographers Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani. The exhibition aims to showcase the unparalleled biodiversity of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, while also documenting the devastating impact of climate change, droughts, and wildfires on the region. It is presented as part of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025-26.

The Science Museum has previously faced consistent pressure regarding its sponsorship deals with fossil fuel companies, with critics often accusing such arrangements of 'greenwashing' and providing a 'social licence to operate' for companies with significant environmental footprints. The museum, however, maintains that engaging audiences with the science of climate change is a key priority.

The Pantanal: A Critically Threatened Ecosystem

The Pantanal, a vast wetland spanning parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, is recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. It is home to an extraordinarily rich diversity of flora and fauna, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and a multitude of bird species.

Despite its ecological importance, the Pantanal faces numerous severe threats. These include:

• Climate Change: Leading to intensified droughts and increased fire risks.
• Wildfires: Devastating fires in 2020 and 2024 have burned millions of hectares, causing immense destruction to wildlife and habitats.
• Agricultural Expansion: Intensive farming, cattle ranching, and monoculture crops such as soy, sugarcane, and eucalyptus contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation.
• Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Further degrading the ecosystem.
• Large-scale Infrastructure Projects: Such as dams and proposed waterways like the Hidrovia Paraguay-Paraná, threaten to alter the natural flood pulse vital for the wetland's health.
• Pollution: Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and herbicides impacts water quality and aquatic life.

The condemnation by Ninawa Huni Kui highlights the ongoing tension between cultural institutions' funding sources and their stated commitment to addressing critical environmental issues, particularly when those issues are directly linked to the activities of their sponsors.