Brazil Designates New Indigenous Territories After COP30 Protests

Presidential Decree and Context

Brazil has established 10 new Indigenous territories through a presidential decree, a measure announced during the COP30 climate summit in Belém. This action follows demonstrations at the UN's annual climate conference, where participants advocated for land demarcation.

This decision aligns with previous initiatives by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration, which recognized 11 territories in the preceding year.

Purpose and Impact of Designation

The designation provides legal protection for the culture and environment within these areas, including one located partially within the Amazon. Historically, enforcement of such protections has varied.

These newly protected areas span hundreds of thousands of hectares and are inhabited by thousands of people from groups including the Mura, Tupinambá de Olivença, Pataxó, Guarani-Kaiowá, Munduruku, Pankará, and Guarani-Mbya.

One area shares more than 78% of its boundary with the Amazon National Park, an area of high biodiversity recognized for its contribution to global climate regulation and carbon storage.

Protests and Demands at COP30

Earlier in the week at COP30, demonstrators, including members of Indigenous groups, entered the summit area carrying signs such as "our forests are not for sale." This resulted in interactions with security personnel. Signs advocating for "demarcation now" were also displayed.

Environmental Significance

Historically, recognized Indigenous reserves have included prohibitions on mining and logging, alongside restrictions on commercial farming, to mitigate deforestation. According to a study by the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, and the Indigenous Climate Change Committee, expanding Indigenous territory could prevent up to 20% of additional deforestation and reduce carbon emissions by 26% by 2030.

Currently, Indigenous lands encompass 117.4 million hectares, representing approximately 13.8% of Brazil's territory. Hundreds of Indigenous groups reside in Brazil.

Policy History

The Brazilian government's announcement was made on Indigenous Peoples' Day at COP30. Prior to the current administration, no new Indigenous lands had been declared since 2018. During the previous administration, protections for Indigenous lands were frequently unenforced, with policies that supported mining operations in these areas. The current government has previously initiated operations to remove illegal miners from Indigenous territories.

Broader Climate Context

The Amazon rainforest faces ongoing deforestation risks. Robust forest ecosystems contribute to carbon sequestration from the atmosphere, contrasting with carbon released through the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change.

Countries are convening at COP30 to develop agreements aimed at limiting global average temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and maintaining them "well below" 2C. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that scientific evidence suggests warming of 2C or more would lead to significant consequences, including extreme heat, higher sea levels, and threats to food security.