Protesters Disrupt COP30 Climate Talks in Brazil: What You Need to Know

BELEM, Brazil — On Friday, about 100 Indigenous protesters briefly blocked the main entrance to the U.N. climate conference near the Brazilian Amazon. This peaceful standoff lasted for 90 minutes and ended after discussions with the conference president, André Corrêa do Lago, who held a protester’s baby during their talk.

The military tried to prevent the protesters, mostly Indigenous people wearing traditional clothing, from entering the conference site. They formed a human chain to block access, chanting, “No one enters, no one leaves.” This was the second protest in just a few days, highlighting tensions at an event promoted as a celebration of Indigenous voices.

Led by the Munduruku Indigenous group, the protesters called for a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. They demanded that he consider their requests, which included stopping commercial development along rivers, canceling a controversial railway project feared to contribute to deforestation, and clearer boundaries for Indigenous lands. They emphasized their role as vital protectors of the forest and climate, stating, “Our forest is not for sale.”

During the blockade, conference activities continued with delegates using a side entrance. U.N. officials reassured participants that the protest was peaceful. Paolo Destilo from the environmental group Debt for Climate joined the scene, emphasizing the importance of giving Indigenous communities space to voice their concerns. “If this is meant to be Indigenous peoples’ COP, we should welcome these demonstrations,” he said.

Harjeet Singh, an anti-fossil fuel activist, echoed this sentiment, stating that the teachings of Indigenous peoples often go unheard in major environmental discussions. “They are the custodians of biodiversity and climate,” he noted, pointing out that frustrations over inaction on climate issues have grown over the past 33 years of U.N. climate conferences.

This protest follows a more chaotic incident earlier in the week where Indigenous demonstrators clashed with security, which resulted in minor injuries to two guards. As the conference continues, protests are expected to intensify, particularly as the weekend approaches—traditionally a peak time for demonstrations during U.N. climate talks.

Recent surveys indicate that 74% of Brazilians support greater protections for Indigenous lands, reflecting a growing recognition of their role in environmental conservation. Historical context shows that Indigenous communities have been vital in maintaining biodiversity, yet their voices often go unheard amid corporate interests in agribusiness and resource extraction.

As discussions at COP30 unfold, the growing engagement of Indigenous leaders highlights a crucial aspect of the climate conversation, signaling a need for genuine inclusivity in these critical talks.



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