In Brasilia, Brazil, thousands of Indigenous people took to the streets on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming United Nations climate talks, voicing their demands for the protection and expansion of their land rights. The protest marked the 21st annual Free Land Indigenous Camp and was highlighted by banners proclaiming, “Land rights = Climate Action.” The march ended at Three Powers Square, the heart of Brazil’s government, which houses the Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential palace.
Luene Karipuna, an Indigenous leader from the Amapá region of the Amazon, spoke about the importance of Indigenous territories in combating climate change. “These lands are the most well-preserved areas, and we are directly affected by the climate crisis,” she stated, mentioning substantial losses to their cassava crops, which are a staple food in her community.
Currently, recognized Indigenous lands make up about 13% of Brazil’s territory, with a significant portion located within the Amazon. The region has recently faced its worst drought on record, which has led to an increase in wildfires and severe impacts on local communities and wildlife.
Many Indigenous leaders, including Karipuna, are preparing to attend the climate talks, also labeled COP30, scheduled for November in Belém. They are hopeful that this event will serve as a platform to advocate for better recognition of Indigenous rights and land demarcation across Amazonian nations.
Juan Carlos Jintiach, an Indigenous leader from Ecuador and secretary of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities, emphasized the significance of this meeting, urging that it offers a critical opportunity for Indigenous communities to assert their existence and relevance in the realm of global environmental policy.
Notably, the Indigenous movement previously sought to have a co-president nominated for COP30, but this proposal was rejected. However, Brazilian climate secretary André Corrêa do Lago has since promised the establishment of a “Circle of Indigenous Leadership” to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and practices into broader climate strategies.
Dinamam Tuxá, a prominent figure from the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, expressed disappointment about being left out of important negotiations regarding the climate crisis. “Despite being the stewards of these lands and actively combating climate change, we are often sidelined at the decision-making tables,” he remarked.
Satellite imagery indicates that Indigenous territories in the Amazon, which are comparable in size to India, have seen notably low rates of deforestation. This forest is not only a vital carbon sink but also the source of 20% of the world’s freshwater.
As the climate talks loom closer, it remains essential that Indigenous voices are not overlooked, as their presence and insights are critical for effective climate action and sustainable land stewardship.
