We are fully capable of managing our own resources, says Indigenous fund coordinator
The UN Climate Conference COP30 in Belém marked significant advancements in Indigenous land demarcation and financial commitments for the protection of Indigenous and local communities in Brazil.
The COP30 UN Climate Conference held in November in Belém, Brazil, represented a key milestone for the Indigenous agenda in the country, showcasing the largest progress in Indigenous land demarcations in the past two decades. The conference was pivotal not only in its discussions but also in the financial commitments made, with over 35 funders pledging to allocate $1.8 billion (around R$ 9.4 billion) between 2026 and 2030 aimed at the protection of the terrritories of Indigenous peoples, Afro-Brazilian communities, and local residents. Furthermore, COP30 recorded the highest Indigenous participation in its history, with more than 5,000 Indigenous people attending, including approximately 4,000 from Brazil alone, as reported by Apib (Articulação dos Povos Indígenas do Brasil). Among the notable figures at the conference was Josimara Baré, an advocate from the Baré people, who is focused on translating official commitments and political promises into concrete actions within Indigenous territories. Her work emphasizes enhancing access to resources, strengthening autonomous governance, and boosting Indigenous economic systems. Josimara's initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the self-determination of Indigenous communities to manage their resources and the need for sustained support translated into action. Her efforts aim not only to secure funding but also to empower Indigenous communities to implement strategies for sustainable development and resource management that respect their rights and assimilate traditional practices with modern needs.