UPDATE: A wave of protests erupted at the 30th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, as Indigenous communities declared their forests are “not for sale.” Amid rising global carbon emissions and rampant deforestation, Indigenous leaders are demanding urgent action to protect their lands from agribusiness and illegal exploitation.
Just days into COP30, which runs from November 10 to 21, 2025, a group of largely Indigenous Amazonian protesters marched into restricted areas, with one Tupinamba leader stating, “We want our lands free from agribusiness, oil exploration, illegal miners, and illegal loggers.” This powerful statement highlights the urgent need for real solutions outside the heavily guarded conference halls.
Despite the grim situation, the Ka’apor people demonstrate a beacon of hope. Nestled in eastern Amazonia, they have successfully protected their lands from destruction through direct action since 2013, restoring 80 percent of their deforested territory. Their methods include closing logging roads and expelling illegal loggers, showcasing a grassroots approach that contrasts sharply with the bureaucratic inefficacy often seen at COP30.
“Things function the same way as when this was an empire; only the names have changed,” stated a Ka’apor leader, reflecting on their ongoing struggle against systemic exploitation. Their territorial defense strategies have also led them to replace government-imposed governance structures with traditional systems, further empowering their community.
In stark contrast, the Brazilian government agency FUNAI is criticized by many Indigenous groups as an obstacle rather than an ally. While COP30 promotes Indigenous empowerment, on-the-ground realities reveal deep-seated frustrations with FUNAI’s bureaucratic processes. Many communities express that the agency fails to protect their rights and interests, highlighting a disconnect between conference rhetoric and Indigenous needs.
In the Atlantic Forest, the Guarani community is taking similar actions. Council member Jerá Guarani recounted how her community reclaimed their land through protests and blockades, spurred by government negligence. As they return to traditional agroecological practices, they work to restore their ecosystems while providing for their people.
The UN reports that Indigenous peoples safeguard 80 percent of the planet’s remaining biodiversity but receive less than 1 percent of international climate funding. This glaring disparity underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how environmental protection is approached globally.
Communities like Terra Vista in Brazil are leading the way in sustainable practices. Once an abandoned plantation, it has transformed into a vibrant ecosystem through Indigenous farming techniques that prioritize biodiversity and ecological health. “We will continue to close access roads and create protection areas,” said community leader Marakaja, emphasizing their commitment to self-defense against external threats.
The violent repercussions of this struggle are profound. Between 2008 and 2022, at least 11 members of the Ka’apor community were assassinated, with no accountability for the crimes. The tragic death of Sarapo, a key figure in their resistance, due to suspected poisoning, serves as a chilling reminder of the stakes involved in their fight for survival.
As COP30 unfolds, the contrast between the conference’s lofty goals and the brutal realities faced by Indigenous communities is stark. Activists are urging a rejection of the ineffective strategies often discussed within COP30, advocating instead for a focus on local, community-led solutions that prioritize ecological resilience and human dignity.
The ongoing developments at COP30 highlight an urgent need for meaningful change. As global leaders discuss climate strategies, the voices of Indigenous communities call for immediate action—reminding the world that the future of the Amazon relies not on corporate interests, but on the empowerment and protection of its original stewards.
The fate of the Amazon hangs in the balance as the world watches. Indigenous groups are not waiting for promises from the conference; they are taking action now. The message is clear: the time for change is NOW, and only through the empowerment of Indigenous communities can we hope to secure a sustainable future for the planet.
