By Mitch Teofilo

Tebtebba delegate to COP30

Belém, Brazil — November 12, 2025 – As global leaders gathered in Belém for COP30, a powerful action erupted outside the summit venue last night, 11 November 2025, demanding climate justice, land rights, and genuine inclusion in decision-making. The action- marked by chants, banners, and a breach of the venue perimeter- was not only led by Indigenous activists but also supported by a wide coalition of Brazilian grassroots movements, environmental defenders, and civil society organizations. Together, they sent a clear message: climate policy must be rooted in justice, not exclusion.

One of the most resonant slogans of the action- “We can’t eat money”-was echoed by Gilmar Terena, a prominent Indigenous leader, who told Reuters, “We are here to say that our land is not for sale. We are not here to be decorative. We are here to be heard.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had previously stated that COP30 should be “inspired by Indigenous Peoples.” But many Indigenous leaders felt sidelined. As reported by Mongabay, protesters criticized the summit’s lack of enforceable protections for Indigenous territories and the continued expansion of extractive industries in the Amazon.

According to The Guardian, dozens of people forced their way into the COP30 venue, clashing with security and demanding direct representation in climate negotiations. 

The Indigenous Peoples Caucus at COP30 (IPFCC) supports the demands of the Indigenous protesters and will issue a support letter, affirming that their actions reflect the urgency of the climate crisis and the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous communities worldwide.

The Caucus emphasized the depth of the protesters’ grievances: “We have to understand their frustration. Many of the Indigenous Peoples who joined have either had lands taken from them, lands mined, oil and critical minerals extracted from their territories.”

Many members of the IP Caucus endorse their support and solidarity highlighting that the caucus should reflect the demands of the peoples into the climate negotiations with the parties.

[Addendum] The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB), the coordinating body of Indigenous Peoples Organizations in Brazil, has since released a public statement, together with its regional organizations, saying that while it ‘reiterates the respect for the rights to protest and for the autonomy of each people in their own forms of organization and political expression’,  the action was not coordinated with APIB. Further, ‘APIB upholds the autonomy of all peoples to express themselves freely and democratically, without any form of paternalism - the kind that the State imposed on us for many years’.

Although approximately 3,000 Indigenous participants were present in Belém, the IP caucus reported that only around 14% had accredited badges granting access to the Blue Zone- the area where official climate negotiations take place. This exclusion underscores a central demand: Indigenous Peoples are here, yet their voices are not being raised or heard in the spaces where decisions about their lands and futures are made.

Beyond exclusion, Indigenous communities in Brazil and across the Amazon face escalating threats. As highlighted by Agência Brasil, Indigenous leaders report increasing criminalization, intimidation, and even murder of land defenders. These attacks are often linked to illegal mining, logging, and agribusiness interests encroaching on Indigenous territories. Protesters called for international accountability and protection for those defending the forest and their communities.

Demands for Climate Justice

The protest was not just symbolic-it was strategic. Indigenous leaders and allied movements presented a list of demands, including:

• Legal recognition and enforcement of Indigenous land rights
• An end to extractive industries in the Amazon, including oil drilling
• Direct representation in climate negotiations
• Global accountability for environmental destruction
• Protection for Indigenous land defenders
• Full access to negotiation spaces for Indigenous delegates

COP30 may be remembered not just for its negotiations, but for the voices that rose outside its walls. The action- led by Indigenous Peoples and supported by local Brazilian movements- was a reminder that climate justice is inseparable from Indigenous justice, and that the future of the Amazon, and the planet, depends on both.

The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice, France, from June 9-13, 2025, was a defining moment in global ocean governance. As part of efforts to advance Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) Life Below Water- the conference aimed to accelerate action in conserving and sustainably using the ocean, seas, and marine resources. However, beyond SDG 14, Indigenous leaders strongly advocated for an interconnected approach to the SDGs, urging world leaders to recognize that ocean sustainability cannot be addressed in isolation from other global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, and Indigenous land rights.  

The Fight for Inclusion in Ocean Governance

Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of marine ecosystems, possessing invaluable traditional knowledge that contributes to sustainable ocean management. However, their perspectives remain largely sidelined in international decision-making processes. At UNOC3, Indigenous representatives demanded a paradigm shift- one that integrates Indigenous knowledge into global policies instead of treating it as an afterthought.  

Roberto Borrero, a representative of the International Indian Treaty Council, underscored the importance of inclusion: "UNOC3 is meant to build political will and action toward a healthy and sustainable Ocean for our present and future generations. If Indigenous Peoples are not meaningfully a part of this moment, the next phase of ocean agreements will start on the wrong foundation."  

Photo credit: UNDESA

Johnson Jament, a researcher and educator specializing in ocean literacy, reinforced this message by highlighting the critical role of Indigenous communities in marine conservation. He emphasized that Indigenous Peoples are not only protectors of biodiversity but also knowledge holders with sustainable solutions. Jament has been a vocal advocate for artisanal fishers, warning of the threats posed by industrial fishing, pollution, and climate change to traditional fishing communities. His work underscores the need for Indigenous-led initiatives in ocean governance, ensuring that policies reflect the lived experiences and expertise of those who have safeguarded marine ecosystems for generations.  

Jimrex Calatan of the Indigenous Peoples Major Group (IPMG) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of ocean degradation on Indigenous communities. "Ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions must be implemented through a human-rights-based lens, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples' rights remain central in conservation efforts,” he asserted.

Disappointment Over the Political Declaration

Despite strong representation of Indigenous Peoples at UNOC3, many leaders expressed frustration over the conference’s final political declaration, “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action”. While Indigenous Peoples welcomed the references to their communities in the document, they emphasized that these commitments must go beyond paper and translate into real action.   

A glaring omission in the declaration sparked widespread disappointment among Indigenous Peoples and civil society- there was not a single mention of human rights in the text. Indigenous leaders and civil society groups had advocated for explicit recognition of human rights in ocean governance, particularly concerning environmental justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and the rights of coastal communities, yet their demands were overlooked in the final wording of the declaration.  

"This is a missed opportunity," said a representative from an Indigenous coalition. "Without a human rights framework, ocean policies risk perpetuating the same injustices that have marginalized Indigenous Peoples for generations. Recognition is not enough,we need real commitments that protect our rights, our territories, and our ways of life."  

The BBNJ Agreement: A Step Forward in Ocean Governance

A significant milestone in ocean governance, the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) was adopted on June 19, 2023. This legally binding treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) strengthens the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction-covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean.  

As of the conclusion of UNOC3, 51 states had ratified the agreement, bringing it closer to the required 60 ratifications for it to enter into force. The treaty reflects a growing global commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring equitable access to ocean resources.  

Photo credit: UNDESA

Indigenous leaders emphasized that ocean sustainability must be addressed holistically, rather than through isolated policy measures. UNOC3’s final declaration emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and other marginalized groups are empowered in ocean-related policies. The adoption of the Nice Ocean Action Plan signaled a commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge into marine conservation efforts.  

Looking Ahead

While UNOC3 sparked momentum for ocean protection, Indigenous leaders remain cautiously optimistic. Commitments must translate into concrete actions, ensuring that Indigenous voices actively shape the future of ocean governance. As the world moves forward in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, Indigenous Peoples must be recognized as key partners in safeguarding our oceans for generations to come. 

Photo credit: UNDESA

ELATIA network and Indigenous Livelihood Enhancement Partners (ILEPA), in partnership with the UN High-level Champion for COP28, Razan Al Mubarak, and with support from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, are pleased to announce the call for case study submissions for the global data study on Indigenous Peoples and climate change. 

Back in 2023, the UN High-level Champion for COP28, Razan Al Mubarak, announced the launch of the #GlobalDataStudy on Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Action – a landmark study that will showcase how the knowledge systems of #IndigenousPeoples are vital for responding to #ClimateChange across the seven socio-cultural regions, including exploring trends in Indigenous Peoples’ access to climate finance. 

The joint initiative is being led by ILEPA, and will formally conclude later this year at #COP30 in Belem, where Indigenous Peoples will be front and centre. 

The Global Study on Indigenous Peoples' Climate Contributions aims to examine Indigenous peoples' practices, experiences, interpretations, and responses to climate variability and change. 

The Study emphasizes a rights- and responsibilities-based approach, highlighting Indigenous Peoples as agents of change in climate action at local, regional, national, and international levels. It will focus on case studies from the seven socio-cultural regions of Indigenous Peoples: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arctic, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Russian Federation, illustrating their contributions to climate ambition, mitigation, adaptation, and trends in access to climate finance. 

The Study will showcase Indigenous knowledge systems and practices as vital for climate actions while documenting the impacts of loss and damage experienced by Indigenous Peoples, despite their low carbon footprints. This approach will also underscore the necessity of climate justice in the context of their territorial management practices, which reflect diverse lifestyles, including hunting, fishing, herding, and cultivation. 

The study aims to be as comprehensive as possible and include as many case studies as feasible with the resources available for this study. 

While each of the seven socio-cultural regions of Indigenous Peoples has a designated Individual consultant/contributors of at least one/integrated region-specific case studies; this call is an additional open space to generate more concrete case studies from the regions t0 allow for the widest possible coverage and comprehensive content. 

Case studies should be: 

a) Relevance to climate change 

Case studies should contain observations or responses by Indigenous Peoples participating in the process as deliberate responses to climate triggers. 

b) Indigenous Peoples led and engaged 

Case studies should also demonstrate either full engagement by indigenous peoples (i.e. projects that were either implemented by an indigenous organization or designed exclusively to benefit Indigenous Peoples) or strong involvement of indigenous peoples (i.e. distinct components or sub-projects benefiting and targeting indigenous peoples or carried out by an indigenous organization). 

c) Relevant to Indigenous Peoples efforts to trigger enhanced access to Climate Change Finance 

d) Other Consideration 

Case studies should include information about the primary country or region in which the activity is implemented, a few key words, a one or two-paragraph summary of the initiative and its outcomes, and reference details for further information focusing on either the impacts of climate change on Indigenous Peoples, or activities being taken by them to address the effects of climate change. 

Case studies can draw on and cite published and peer-reviewed literature, quotations from Elders, public project documents, videos, multimedia, online works, art and personal stories. 

We want to hear from people who are happy to share their ideas and experiences, no matter how small. Many Indigenous stewards have experiences that can contribute to this project—the more people involved, the richer, nuanced & compelling the study findings will be and powerful in influencing actors in the climate change arena. 

We also want to hear from non-Indigenous partners (NGOs, government agencies, etc.) who’re collaborating/who’d like to co-develop a case study with one or more of their Indigenous partners. 

To participate in this important project, please email the project coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or upload your case study through the following dashboard: https://research.ilepa-kenya.org/wp/

Indigenous Peoples have invaluable and critical contributions to make in addressing climate change around the world. The Tracker, the IEU evaluation, and IPAG's responses converge on a clear and urgent conclusion: while GCF support and leadership in promoting Indigenous engagement have made commendable strides, significant structural and systemic changes are still required. The establishment of a dedicated Indigenous Peoples window is not only an acknowledgment of these shortcomings but a crucial step toward ensuring real and lasting inclusion, empowerment, and partnership. Indigenous Peoples are ready to play their role; it is now essential that the GCF implements the recommendations of the Evaluation and ensures that Indigenous rights, priorities, and knowledge are fully integrated into its operations.

Without the establishment of a dedicated Indigenous Peoples’ window, the GCF risks perpetuating a cycle where Indigenous Peoples are marginalized within climate finance structures that are meant to empower them. A fundamental shift is needed to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are not only included but are key partners and actors in the fight against climate change.

Download full analysis

Visit the Indigenous Peoples Tracker on GCF Projects