Brazil announced the creation of 10 new Indigenous territories during the COP30 climate summit in Belém, reinforcing efforts to protect biodiversity and reduce deforestation amid widespread protests calling for stronger environmental actions. This move, formalized through a presidential decree on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, highlights the government’s commitment to indigenous rights and climate goals while addressing ongoing tensions at the UN conference.
The Brazilian government, hosting COP30, designated the new territories on November 17, 2025, covering hundreds of thousands of hectares and inhabited by thousands from groups like the Mura, Tupinambá de Olivença, Pataxó, and Guarani-Kaiowá. One area overlaps more than 78% with the Amazon National Park, a critical region for global climate regulation due to its role in storing carbon and maintaining biodiversity. This action is part of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s broader environmental agenda, which has seen 21 Indigenous lands demarcated since he took office, reversing policies under his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro that often neglected protections.
Indigenous leaders welcomed the demarcation but emphasized the need for more lands to be legally recognized to ensure control over their territories. Dinamam Tuxu from the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) stated that indigenous peoples protect 82% of the world’s biodiversity, and demarcating lands helps combat global warming by preserving traditional ways of life. However, many communities face threats from illegal activities, such as logging and mining, with recent violence including the killing of a Guarani Kaiowá leader underscoring the risks.
The announcement came against a backdrop of protests at COP30, where thousands marched outside the summit venue carrying signs like ‘demarcation now’ and demanding urgent climate action. Earlier in the week, demonstrators, including indigenous activists, broke into the conference center, leading to clashes with security and a noticeable increase in armed personnel. Human rights groups criticized the enhanced security measures, arguing they marginalize dissent and hinder the participation of environmental defenders in crucial negotiations.
A study by APIB and research institutes indicates that expanding indigenous territories could prevent up to 20% of additional deforestation and reduce carbon emissions by 26% by 2030, aligning with COP30’s goals to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The Amazon rainforest, already under pressure from deforestation risks, benefits from such protections as healthy forests absorb carbon dioxide. Indigenous lands now encompass about 13.8% of Brazil’s territory, equivalent to the size of Colombia, providing a buffer against environmental degradation.
Despite progress, challenges persist, including limited accreditation for indigenous groups inside COP30, though this summit has the highest number of indigenous representatives yet. Kleber Karipuna from APIB expressed happiness over the inclusion of nearly 900 indigenous people in negotiations, but advocates continue to push for greater influence in decision-making. The Brazilian government’s efforts to drive out illegal miners from existing lands show commitment, but enforcement remains inconsistent in some regions.
Looking forward, the demarcation of these territories represents a significant step in fulfilling Brazil’s climate pledges and supporting indigenous autonomy. Sustained action and international cooperation will be essential to ensure long-term protection of the Amazon and its inhabitants, with COP30 outcomes likely shaping future policies on land rights and global environmental strategies.
