Indigenous Voices Amplify Demands for Greater Representation at COP30 in Belém

The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Pará, is witnessing unprecedented and historic participation from indigenous peoples, calling for enhanced involvement in negotiations and decision-making processes. Indigenous activist Txai Suruí articulated a powerful demand for indigenous voices to be heard more clearly within the COP30 spaces, highlighting ongoing protests by indigenous groups in the Blue Zone and asserting that their exclusion from critical decisions impacting their lands is unacceptable. "Imagine having an event in your home and not being allowed to enter while decisions about your life are made," Suruí stated. She emphasized that demarcation of indigenous territories is not only a fundamental right but essential in combating the climate crisis, declaring, "If COP cannot provide answers to the crisis, we are here to say that the answer is us."

This collective energy was palpable during the Global Climate March, which drew over 5,000 participants including forest peoples, social movements, and indigenous communities, unified against oil exploration at the mouth of the Amazon. The conference has also demonstrated strong climate financing commitments, with the Tropical Forest Fund for Ever pledging $5.5 billion and aiming for $25 billion, alongside $185 billion from multilateral banks. The European Union contributed its first-ever donation to the Amazon Fund. Furthermore, COP30 has innovated by connecting science directly with climate negotiators through the planetary sciences pavilion in the Blue Zone.

However, challenges persist, especially surrounding adaptation goals where divergences between developed and developing nations remain. The African group has proposed extending decision timelines by two years as these key debates continue. In a symbolic moment, COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago engaged in negotiations with the indigenous Munduruku people in the Blue Zone, signifying a potential shift toward inclusive governance led by the Global South.

Overall, the growing indigenous representation and activism at COP30 underscore a crucial shift toward recognizing indigenous peoples as indispensable actors for climate solutions, pressing for rightful participation and respect for their territorial sovereignty in global climate governance.