Improved protection of Indigenous land rights sets the course for climate talks

The COP30 Leaders’ Summit in Belém announced on Thursday the 6th of November that the Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ pledge has been renewed for another five years with a total commitment of USD 1.8 billion. At the same time, the five largest rainforest countries in the world have committed to recognising land rights to Indigenous Peoples and local communities of a total of 160 million hectares of rainforest.

Recognising rights key to preventing deforestation

“This is an important contribution to stopping dangerous climate change. Recognising and supporting Indigenous peoples’ rights and their crucial role in rainforest conservation is key to preventing deforestation and preserving life on Earth. The most intact rainforests are protected by Indigenous peoples and local communities, and deforestation is generally lower when they have rights to their traditional lands,” said Toerris Jaeger, Director of Rainforest Foundation Norway.

Indonesia boosts Indigenous land rights

Brazil, Peru, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia have all committed to specific land rights targets. Indonesia has recognised the land rights of indigenous peoples to a total of 1.4 million hectares of rainforest, a quadruple increase on previous figures.

“These commitments from both donors and rainforest countries send an important signal about the importance of Indigenous peoples' rights, which more countries, donors, and funds should take on board, given that rainforest conservation and Indigenous peoples' rights continue to be an underfunded but crucial climate solution,” Jaeger said.