Indigenous Protesters Halt COP 30 Access to Demand Government Action on Tapajós River

During COP 30 climate conference in Belém, Indigenous leaders, notably Alessandra Munduruku of the Munduruku community, led a significant protest by blocking access to the event for approximately four hours. Their demonstration was aimed at pressing the government to engage in dialogue regarding critical threats to their lands and culture, especially concerning decree 12.600/2025. This decree earmarks the Tapajós River for industrial use, which Indigenous groups warn could lead to the river's dredging and the expansion of private ports, turning it into a corridor facilitating soybean exports. Alessandra Munduruku highlighted the spiritual and cultural importance of the Tapajós River, stating, "The Tapajós is not merchandise; it is life," emphasizing fears that this industrialization threatens their traditional way of living and the river's ecosystem.

The protest also called for the cancellation of the contentious Ferrogrão railway project, which would increase grain transport and barge traffic on the river, exacerbating environmental risks. The community is further burdened by mercury contamination from gold mining, causing health issues among children. Additionally, Indigenous leaders demanded accelerated land demarcation for indigenous territories, especially the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, recently declared for traditional possession. Alessandra criticized the government’s allocation of funds, pointing out that more financial resources are directed to agribusiness rather than to Indigenous and traditional populations.

In the broader context of the COP 30 conference, while the technical segment concluded positively with expected approval of several climate topics and new principles for sustainable finance aiming to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually, Indigenous peoples remain vocally concerned about insufficient political will to safeguard their rights and environments. The protests coincided with the March for Climate in Belém, where thousands including Indigenous peoples called for climate justice and stronger governmental climate action. COP 30 President André Corrêa do Lago expressed optimism about progressing with at least 15 topics through the political phase of the summit, although the participation of Indigenous communities underscores ongoing tensions and demands for equitable environmental governance in Brazil and globally.