Image Credit: lisandrotrarbach/123rf.com
Brazil has made a significant advancement in climate protection by officially recognizing 10 new Indigenous territories, a move that highlights the essential link between land rights and climate justice. This announcement coincided with ongoing protests at the COP30 conference, where activists underscored the urgent need for effective land protections.
The newly designated territories encompass vast areas of the Amazon and other regions, providing legal safeguards for Indigenous ecosystems and cultures. This marks the first expansion of Indigenous lands since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office, following the recognition of 11 territories in the previous year. The step represents a notable shift from the policies of the former administration, which had largely disregarded Indigenous rights.
Research indicates that Indigenous stewardship is a crucial defense against deforestation, with findings revealing that such communities protect 82 percent of the planet’s biodiversity. A collaborative study from the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB), the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, and the Indigenous Climate Change Committee suggests that expanding Indigenous territories could reduce deforestation by up to 20 percent and decrease carbon emissions by 26 percent by the year 2030.
The newly recognized territories cover hundreds of thousands of hectares and are home to various Indigenous groups, including the Mura, Pataxó, Munduruku, Guarani-Kaiowá, Tupinambá de Olivença, Pankará, and Guarani-Mbya. One of these areas overlaps with over 78 percent of the Amazon National Park, a vital region for biodiversity and climate stability.
While this recognition is a positive development, it is set against a backdrop of heightened tension. Protests at COP30 have seen thousands demanding immediate action for land demarcation, reflecting widespread frustration over the pace of environmental protections. The event was marred by violence, including the recent killing of an Indigenous leader from the Guarani Kaiowá community, emphasizing the dangers faced by those advocating for their ancestral lands.
Despite the surrounding challenges, COP30 has witnessed an unprecedented presence of Indigenous representatives—around 900 individuals—who are now able to negotiate and advocate for their communities within the climate dialogue. This marks a significant change from previous administrations that often marginalized Indigenous voices in environmental discussions.
Currently, Indigenous territories comprise approximately 117.4 million hectares, or about 13.8 percent of Brazil’s land area. These regions play a crucial role in safeguarding the Amazon, which is at risk of severe ecological collapse due to rising deforestation rates. As global leaders strive to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius, Brazil’s actions will have far-reaching implications for international climate efforts.
The formalization of the 10 new territories will be enacted through a presidential decree, although ensuring their protection remains a critical concern. Indigenous communities and conservationists are hopeful that this recognition will lead to tangible protections on the ground, viewing Indigenous land rights as integral to addressing the global climate crisis and benefiting humanity as a whole.
Check out the original article here: Source link
