In a compelling conversation on the Lusitania Network podcast, filmed in collaboration with The Portugal News and The Explorers Club, Vieira dives deep into his extensive expeditions within the Congo Basin. Spending years conducting research—including a rigorous two-week trek through the dense Congolese rainforest in 2023—he lived alongside the BaYaka. Widely recognised as one of the last nomadic groups of their kind.

Watch the full podcast here 👇👇👇


Vieira unpacks the egalitarian social structures of the BaYaka, where sharing is not just a resource strategy, but a fundamental worldview that encompasses humans, animals, and the forest spirits. Unlike the rigid hierarchies and constant digital inputs of modern industrial society, these remote communities cultivate a lifestyle rooted in deep ecological knowledge and raw presence. While life in the rainforest carries harsh realities and survival challenges, it offers a striking reminder of our shared adaptability.

He also draws an interesting comparison to another passion of his: rock climbing. A sport that requires one to be completely present in the moment. In our modern society, this is a somewhat rare occurrence, whereas the societies in the Congolese forest live in this state perhaps more constantly, as they face fewer modern distractions and rely on it for their well-being in nature.

Climbing further became a subject of interest because of the effect it has on people, but to hear that and the rest of the truly fascinating stories and reflections of his investigations, tune in to the episode here.