Brazil Grants New Indigenous Territories Amid COP30 Protests

Tue Nov 18 2025 17:49:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move during the COP30 summit, Brazil has established 10 new Indigenous territories, with protests advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental protections intensifying.

As the UN Climate Change Conference COP30 unfolds in Belem, Brazil, the government has announced the creation of 10 new Indigenous territories, a decision formalized through a presidential decree. This announcement came amidst significant protests, some led by Indigenous groups demanding stronger protections for their lands. The new territories are expected to help combat deforestation and environmental degradation in vital regions such as the Amazon. This action follows previous measures by President Lula's administration to recognize Indigenous claims and reverse the policies of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who undermined Indigenous land rights.

The COP30 host country, Brazil, has taken a crucial step in creating 10 new Indigenous territories during a period marked by rising protests advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental preservation.

These territories, including vital regions within the Amazon, are now to be protected under Brazilian law, though enforcement of these protections remains inconsistent.

The recent announcement follows similar actions taken by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government, which had already recognized Indigenous claims to 11 territories last year. This latest designation will be formalized through a presidential decree.

The timing coincides with substantial demonstrations occurring at the UN’s climate summit, where numerous protesters shouted for immediate action on land demarcation.

Earlier this week, some protesters, representing various Indigenous groups, made headlines by breaching security at the summit and clashing with guards. Their signs proclaimed, Our forests are not for sale, underscoring the urgency of their message. Increased security at the venue has curtailed access for Indigenous representatives lacking formal accreditation.

A letter from over 200 human rights organizations sent to UN officials criticized the heightened security measures, highlighting a troubling trend toward the repression of dissenting voices and a militarized response to peaceful protests.

In recognition of their importance in environmental conservation, previous designations of Indigenous lands have included bans on potentially harmful activities such as mining and logging, as well as restricting commercial agriculture in these regions to curtail deforestation.

Research by the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil indicates that proper management and expansion of Indigenous territories could prevent approximately 20% of potential deforestation and reduce carbon emissions by a significant margin by 2030, showcasing the environmental benefits of protecting these lands.

These newly recognized protected areas span vast landscapes inhabited by diverse Indigenous groups including the Mura, Tupinambá de Olivença, Pataxó, Guarani-Kaiowá, Munduruku, Pankará, and Guarani-Mbya.

Notably, one of the new territories overlaps significantly with the Amazon National Park, a crucial ecological zone that plays an essential role in combating climate change and sustaining global biodiversity.

The Brazilian government's announcement was strategically made on Indigenous Peoples' Day at COP30, emphasizing the connection between Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

Prior to Lula's return to power, the recognition of new Indigenous lands had stalled since 2018. Under the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro, efforts to exploit these lands for mining and other industries were rampant, often at the expense of Indigenous communities.

Lula's presidency marks a renewed commitment to protecting these lands and reversing the aggressive policies of his predecessor, by actively removing illegal miners and restoring the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Currently, Indigenous territories in Brazil encompass about 117.4 million hectares, which is roughly equivalent to the area of Colombia, representing around 13.8% of Brazil’s total land area.

As negotiations continue at COP30 aimed at limiting global temperature rise, protecting the Amazon rainforest remains vital, with healthy forestry ecosystems recognized as crucial for carbon sequestration and sustainable climate practices.

The ongoing conversation at COP30 represents a pivotal moment in addressing climate change efforts in Brazil and enhancing protections for its Indigenous populations.