International Indigenous Commission to take part in COP30 negotiations

The Brazilian government and indigenous organizations announced on Thursday (Apr. 10) the creation of the International Indigenous Commission for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for November this year in Belém, Pará state. The announcement was made during an event at the Free Land Camp, the country’s largest annual indigenous demonstration, which marked its 21st edition this year in Brasília, the capital of Brazil.

The commission will be chaired by the Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sônia Guajajara, and composed of the following entities:

·       Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Apib)

·       Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (Coiab)

·       National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestry (Anmiga)

·       G9 of the Indigenous Amazon

·       Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC)

·       United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

·       Indigenous Caucus, an international network of Indigenous peoples’ movements

“We have always fought to ensure that indigenous peoples are at the center of this debate. We continue to advocate for their meaningful participation in this discussion, because it is well established that indigenous territories serve as a barrier against the advance of monocultures, mining, and agribusiness,” said Guajajara.

Kléber Karipuna, one of Apib’s executive coordinators, said the movement expects to bring together over 3,000 indigenous people for COP30 in Belém, an event that is anticipated to draw more than 50,000 participants.

“The solution to the climate crisis lies in the demarcation of our territories and the preservation of their biodiversity. This needs to be put into practice,” said Kléber Karipuna.

Peoples’ Circle

The International Indigenous Commission will be part of the so-called Peoples’ Circle, an initiative introduced by the Brazilian COP30 presidency to strengthen the participation of civil society and social movements in the conference’s discussions and negotiations.

“The Peoples’ Circle is essential for establishing a direct link between the COP presidency and indigenous peoples,” said Ana Toni, executive director of COP30 and National Secretary for Climate Change at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.

Indigenous NDC

During the Free Land Camp, indigenous peoples also presented a document outlining proposed climate targets, known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Divided into six key areas, the document outlines demands for:

·       Demarcation of territories

·       Mitigation and adaptation measures, with secured funding

·       Training and technology transfer for the protection and preservation of biome