In Belém, Brazil, COP do Povo (the People’s COP) showed the power of community-driven climate action. This event highlighted the importance of including frontline defenders in conversations about climate policies that impact their lives.
A Crucial Community Space
Many land and environmental defenders face threat and violence while protecting their territories, yet they are often sidelined in formal climate talks. During COP30, this exclusion was glaring, but so was the remarkable grassroots mobilization. Over 500 people attended daily, participating in discussions, workshops, and cultural events at COP do Povo.
The event aimed to give a voice to those often ignored. Unlike many official venues that require payment to participate, COP do Povo offered free access, enabling diverse members of society to engage in meaningful conversations on climate action.
The Role of Collaboration
The atmosphere at COP do Povo was one of collaboration and solidarity. It was a space where Indigenous voices led the charge, creating strategies for a just transition rooted in human rights. The event also hosted the launch of the Leaders Network for Environmental Activists and Defenders (LEAD), showcasing the collective strength of communities.
A key aim was coordination—allowing groups to share experiences and align their goals. Conversations shifted from technical jargon to what communities need for safety and sustainability amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
Creative Expression as Resistance
Art played a crucial role. The mural “Cinzas da Floresta,” created from ashes of burnt forests, honored environmental defenders and served as a visual reminder of the stakes involved. Such expressions reminded attendees of the losses suffered while fighting for land and justice.
Building a Movement
Testimonies shared at COP do Povo brought attention to the ongoing violence against defenders. The People’s Tribunal against Ecogenocide served as a crucial platform for documenting experiences of suffering, resilience, and resistance, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these struggles globally.
Lasting Impact
As COP30 concluded, many recognized that the fight for climate justice is far from over. The conversations, alliances, and moments of solidarity forged at COP do Povo are part of a larger movement for change. The call for genuine inclusion is clear—frontline communities must be included in decision-making processes that directly affect them.
As Claudelice Santos, a coordinator for the event, stated, “The People’s COP did not end – it is ongoing.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to ensure that real voices and solutions from grassroots movements remain at the forefront of climate discussions, shaping a future that prioritizes people and the planet over profit.
For more on this topic, check out Global Witness’s extensive documentation of environmental defenders and their invaluable work here.
