Indigenous groups take a stand at COP30 summit in Brazil, disrupting proceedings to demand progress on climate change and Indigenous rights.
In a bold move, Indigenous protesters took to the streets outside the main venue of COP30 in Brazil, interrupting the conference's opening day. The peaceful protest, which required participants to detour through a side door, resulted in long lines and frustration among those trying to attend the talks. One protester likened the event to "a scream" over rights violated and decisions made without consulting Indigenous communities.
The protesters, mostly dressed in traditional attire, formed a human chain around the entrance, blocking access to the main venue. Other groups of activists also joined the protest, forming secondary chains around them. Brazilian military personnel were present to maintain order, but it seemed that their efforts were largely unsuccessful.
Among those participating in the protest was Cris Julião Pankararu, a member of the Pankararu people from Brazil's Caatinga biome. Speaking about the urgent need for action on climate change, he said, "I wish that warmth would melt the coldness of people."
The protesters' demands were clear: they wanted to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and express their concerns over the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. The Munduruku Indigenous group led the demonstration, calling for a meeting with the president and demanding that plans for commercial development be revoked.
Their list of demands included revoking plans for river development, canceling a grain railway project that has sparked fears of deforestation, and clearer demarcations of Indigenous territories. They also sought a rejection of deforestation carbon credits.
The conference's president, André Corrêa do Lago, met with the group after they blocked the entrance. Despite the disruption, he cradled a protester's baby in his arms as he talked, smiling and nodding.
While some have questioned the effectiveness of the protest, others see it as a necessary step in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Harjeet Singh, a veteran activist, said that the protest reflects frustration with past COPs, which have not delivered on their promises.
As the conference continues, Indigenous leaders from across the Ecuadorian Amazon used a side event to warn about the devastating impact of oil drilling, mining, and agribusiness expansion on the rainforest. They emphasized the need for direct climate finance for Indigenous communities and recognized rights of nature and collective Indigenous rights.
With over 900 registered Indigenous participants at COP30, many are hopeful that this year's conference will be more inclusive and representative of the needs and concerns of these marginalized communities. As one Kichwa leader from Ecuador said, "It is very important for us that the rights of Indigenous peoples are recognized at the COP30 negotiating tables."
In a bold move, Indigenous protesters took to the streets outside the main venue of COP30 in Brazil, interrupting the conference's opening day. The peaceful protest, which required participants to detour through a side door, resulted in long lines and frustration among those trying to attend the talks. One protester likened the event to "a scream" over rights violated and decisions made without consulting Indigenous communities.
The protesters, mostly dressed in traditional attire, formed a human chain around the entrance, blocking access to the main venue. Other groups of activists also joined the protest, forming secondary chains around them. Brazilian military personnel were present to maintain order, but it seemed that their efforts were largely unsuccessful.
Among those participating in the protest was Cris Julião Pankararu, a member of the Pankararu people from Brazil's Caatinga biome. Speaking about the urgent need for action on climate change, he said, "I wish that warmth would melt the coldness of people."
The protesters' demands were clear: they wanted to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and express their concerns over the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. The Munduruku Indigenous group led the demonstration, calling for a meeting with the president and demanding that plans for commercial development be revoked.
Their list of demands included revoking plans for river development, canceling a grain railway project that has sparked fears of deforestation, and clearer demarcations of Indigenous territories. They also sought a rejection of deforestation carbon credits.
The conference's president, André Corrêa do Lago, met with the group after they blocked the entrance. Despite the disruption, he cradled a protester's baby in his arms as he talked, smiling and nodding.
While some have questioned the effectiveness of the protest, others see it as a necessary step in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Harjeet Singh, a veteran activist, said that the protest reflects frustration with past COPs, which have not delivered on their promises.
As the conference continues, Indigenous leaders from across the Ecuadorian Amazon used a side event to warn about the devastating impact of oil drilling, mining, and agribusiness expansion on the rainforest. They emphasized the need for direct climate finance for Indigenous communities and recognized rights of nature and collective Indigenous rights.
With over 900 registered Indigenous participants at COP30, many are hopeful that this year's conference will be more inclusive and representative of the needs and concerns of these marginalized communities. As one Kichwa leader from Ecuador said, "It is very important for us that the rights of Indigenous peoples are recognized at the COP30 negotiating tables."
i mean, people are getting all worked up over climate change and indigenous rights...can't we just take a step back and listen 2 what these communities have 2 say? 
i wanna know more about what really happened behind those human chains
The Amazon rainforest 
is like a big hug 
for all living things 
. But sadly, some humans 
are still hurting it 
. We need to take action 
️ and listen to the Indigenous peoples 
.
I see a lot of frustration 
among those trying to make a change 
, but it's time for us to be more patient 
and work together 
. We need to respect 
and find common ground 
.
Money can't buy back the Amazon 
can make a big difference 
they deserve and amplify their messages 
.
We're all in this together 
. Let's keep pushing for change 
and make a difference 
. It's all about raising awareness and demanding progress on climate change and Indigenous rights.
. And I love how the Munduruku Indigenous group is putting their foot down and refusing to back down 
. They have a right to be heard and for their concerns to be taken seriously. And who knows, maybe this protest will finally get some real attention 
.
. We need to listen to their stories and amplify their voices 
. Otherwise, we're just perpetuating more harm 
. They're not just fighting for the future of the planet; they're fighting for their very existence 
.
. Cris Julião Pankararu's message about melting away the coldness of people resonated with me too 
. And who knows, maybe this protest will be the wake-up call we need for leaders like Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to take action 
. The fact that there are over 900 Indigenous participants at COP30 is a huge step towards inclusivity and recognition of their rights 
I'm like totally confused about this protest thingy... can't they just talk to the president or something? 
Maybe it's actually a really bold move to make people listen? I don't know... it seems kinda violent, like smashing things with rocks or something... but at the same time, those protesters are all passionate and stuff, you feel? 
i mean what do we know about these places we're talkin bout? its not just about us, its about those who lived there first 
so yeah let them make some noise, we should be listenin too 
Their message is loud and clear - warm up those leaders before it's too late 
.
The Indigenous groups are literally screaming loud and clear – 'we want our rights, we want our voices heard!' And honestly, it's hard to blame them. Those Brazilian authorities must've thought they were above the law until those traditional attire-clad humans showed up with a human chain... talk about a blockade! 
they're makin it clear that their rights and the future of the planet can't be ignored, you feel? 
u know im a total sucker 4 layouts n stuff... but this cop30 thingy got me thinking 
. we need more transparency, more inclusion, n more listening 
On the other hand, I totally get why they're upset about climate change and Indigenous rights - it's like, super important that we listen to them and do something about it. 
The Brazilian military guys did seem pretty ineffective, though... 
, suggests that there may be some willingness to engage and address these concerns. However, it's also clear that more needs to be done to hold governments accountable for their actions.