Indigenous activists storm cop30 security zones, win recognition but fall short on fossil fuel phase-out

Indigenous activists made unprecedented waves at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, breaking through security barriers and forcing their way into negotiation zones typically reserved for official delegates. Their rallying cry—”they can’t decide for us without us”—captured the frustration of communities most affected by climate change being excluded from formal voting on global climate policy.

The conference, dubbed the “Indigenous COP” due to its Amazon location, saw over 5,000 Indigenous participants—more than in the entire 30-year history of climate summits. Their bold organizing efforts yielded significant wins: Brazil committed to demarcating lands for 27 Indigenous groups and promised to recognize 59 million additional hectares over five years. Countries also formally acknowledged Indigenous rights, including land rights and free, prior informed consent, in the UN’s Just Transition Work Programme for moving away from fossil fuels.

However, Indigenous advocates left disappointed by the watered-down Global Mutirão agreement, which failed to include their proposals or establish concrete timelines for ending fossil fuel dependence. Oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and growing economies including China and India weakened the final text. “None of our proposals were taken into account,” said Emil Gualinga of the Kichwa People of Sarayaku, despite the agreement bearing an Indigenous name.

The setbacks haven’t deterred the movement. Indigenous leaders plan to continue their advocacy at upcoming conferences in Germany and Colombia, building on their newfound visibility and the recent International Court of Justice ruling that established nations’ legal obligations to address climate change.