BRAZILIA, Brazil — As the upcoming U.N. climate talks in the Amazon draw near, a significant demonstration was witnessed in the heart of Brazil’s capital. Thousands of Indigenous people gathered to advocate for the safeguarding and extension of their ancestral lands, emphasizing the vital role these territories play in combating the global climate crisis.
This demonstration is the main event of the annual Free Land Indigenous Camp, now celebrating its 21st year. Under banners proclaiming messages like “Land rights = Climate Action,” participants marched toward the Three Powers Square in Brasilia, the site of the national Congress, Supreme Court, and the presidential residence.
“Indigenous lands are crucial in mitigating the climate crisis due to their preserved nature. However, they are often among the first affected by changing climates,” stated Luene Karipuna from Amapá, located in the Amazon, as she joined the protest. “Our community has directly felt these impacts—losing crops like cassava, a staple in our diet.”
In Brazil, Indigenous territories comprise roughly 13% of the nation’s land, predominantly within the Amazon rainforest.
The Amazon basin has recently endured some of its worst recorded drought conditions over the past two years, causing a rise in wildfires, isolating riverine communities, devastating crops, and threatening wildlife, including the rare pink dolphin. Researchers have suggested links between these severe conditions and global climate change.
Indigenous representatives, including Karipuna, plan to be present at the forthcoming climate conference, also referred to as COP30, scheduled for November in Belém. They perceive this as a vital opportunity to not only spotlight land demarcation issues but also advocate for Indigenous rights across all Amazonian nations, hoping for a stronger voice at the event.
“This COP is monumental for the social movements,” remarked Juan Carlos Jintiach, an Indigenous leader from Ecuador and Executive Secretary of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities, which advocates for Indigenous peoples in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. “It’s crucial for us to show that we stand resilient.”
Although last year’s effort by Indigenous groups to have a co-president nominated for COP30 was unsuccessful, Brazilian climate secretary André Corrêa do Lago has committed to forming a Circle of Indigenous Leadership. This initiative aims to weave traditional Indigenous wisdom into the global climate dialogue.
Dinamam Tuxá, from the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, expressed disappointment over the rejection of their co-presidency proposal and remains cautious about Lago’s alternative plan.
“While the COP convenes nations to negotiate climate solutions, it frequently overlooks direct involvement from Indigenous communities in these discussions. Yet, we remain at the forefront, safeguarding territories and actively fighting climate change,” Tuxá noted.
Recent satellite analyses reveal that deforestation rates are exceptionally low in Indigenous territories within the Amazon. This vast tropical forest, larger than twice the size of India, is a vital carbon reservoir and climate stabilizer, also containing a significant portion of Earth’s fresh water supply.