Supermodel defends protection of endangered Amazon river

A campaign to protect the Amazon's Xingu River from deforestation and pollution has a fashionable new defender: supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

Bundchen has endorsed a campaign by the Socioenvironmental Institute to protect the endangered headwaters and the rain forest along the Xingu River in the southern Amazon, she said on her Web site.

The campaign is called "Y Ikatu Xingu," which means "clean and good Xingu water," in the native Kamaiura language.

Bundchen will "tell the world that the Amazon's waters are in danger," the Kaxi Amazon News Agency said Monday.

The Xingu River extends about 1,700 miles (2,700 kms) through the southern Amazon, including Brazil's first Indian reservation, the 2.8 million-hectare (6.92 million-acre) Xingu National Park.

Ranchers and loggers have encroached on the park and threaten to pollute the river, has which tributaries in 35 cities and towns, the agency said.

Bundchen is one of the world's most sought-after models, with credits that include Christian Dior, Bulgari, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Victoria's Secret, reports AP.