Indigenous Voices Take Center Stage at COP30, Shaping Climate Action

Belém, Brazil -Indigenous leaders are making an unprecedented impact at COP30, marking the largest Indigenous presence at a UN climate conference to date. With over 3,000 delegates participating, Indigenous peoples now hold formal roles in negotiations, influencing pledges and shaping global climate commitments.

Key initiatives include securing 160 million hectares of Indigenous and community lands by 2030 and advocating for fair, community-controlled climate finance. Projects and programs such as Kuntari Katu are equipping Indigenous delegates with tools to navigate complex climate negotiations, carbon markets, and funding mechanisms.

Will Hewes, Global Water Stewardship Lead at Amazon, said,

“Restoring natural processes can improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and create vital habitat.”

Experts say this represents a turning point in climate diplomacy, where Indigenous knowledge and leadership are finally recognized as essential to tackling global environmental challenges.