Indigenous lands must be recognised as part of climate policy, says Brazilian minister

The Guardian
The Guardian
3h ago 1 view
At Cop30, Brazil's Indigenous peoples minister Sonia Guajajara emphasized the need for recognizing Indigenous lands in climate policy, amid protests highlighting their rights.
Indigenous lands must be recognised as part of climate policy, says Brazilian minister
A What happened
During Cop30, Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's Indigenous peoples minister, stressed the importance of recognizing Indigenous lands in climate policy. She argued that these lands must be protected from mining interests that threaten both the environment and Indigenous rights. Protests by Indigenous peoples outside the conference temporarily disrupted proceedings, emphasizing their struggle against exploitation. Guajajara highlighted the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) as a significant initiative aimed at preserving forests and supporting Indigenous communities. The TFFF seeks to provide financial incentives for countries to maintain their forests, contrasting with typical funding that only addresses deforestation. Despite initial support from the UK, Guajajara expressed disappointment over its decision not to invest in the TFFF, which could strain relations between Brazil and the UK. The minister remains hopeful for future investments, particularly from China, to bolster the fund's goals.

Key insights

  • 1

    Indigenous Rights in Climate Policy

    Recognition of Indigenous lands is crucial for effective climate action.

  • 2

    Tropical Forest Forever Facility

    A fund aimed at preserving forests and supporting Indigenous communities.

  • 3

    Protests at Cop30

    Indigenous protests highlighted the urgency of their demands.

  • 4

    International Investment Hesitations

    Concerns over investment commitments from countries like the UK and China.

Takeaways

The discussions at Cop30 reflect a growing recognition of the need to integrate Indigenous rights into climate policy. The outcomes of these talks could significantly impact both environmental protection and the rights of Indigenous peoples in Brazil.

Topics

Climate Change Sustainability