Indigenous land rights victory at COP30 after years of struggle
The Kaxuyana are among the Indigenous groups celebrating after the Brazilian government formally recognised four new Indigenous territories. - One of the most important efforts to come out of COP, for Indigenous peoples, forests and climate, says Rainforest Foundation Norway.
From left to right: Brazil's Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Sônia Guajajara, Juventino Kaxuyana, leader of the Kaxuyana people, an Indigenour representative and Ana Kahyana, president of the Kaxuyana, Tunayana and Kahyana Indigenous Peoples' Federation at the announcement of the new Indigenous territories.Photo: Ruben Caixeta – Iepé
By Regnskogfondet.
On Tuesday, 18 November at COP30, President Lula da Silva announced the formal recognition of four Indigenous territories covering a total of 25.000 square kilometres. They are Kaxuyana-Tunayana, Uirapuru, Estacao Parecis and Manoki.
Since Indigenous rainforest areas are proving to be among the best-preserved, this is a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
This gives them the legal right to manage their forest areas, which are highly vulnerable to illegal deforestation and other environmental crimes.
“This is the result of years of work, a strong collaboration between the organised Indigenous movement and the federal government. It is a great achievement and we are moved by seeing this process from claim to formal recognition,” said Anders Haug Larsen, Director of Advocacy at Rainforest Foundation Norway.
An Indigenous woman celebrates the formal recognition of the new Indigenous territories at COP30. Photo: Mayra Wapichana/Funai
Kaxuyana people jubilant after 20 years of struggle
Together with our Indigenous partner, Iepé, Rainforest Foundation has worked for 20 years to achieve final recognition – and thus better protection – of the Kaxuyana-Tunayana territory. The area covers 22,000 square kilometers and is comparable in size to El Salvador.
"The recognition of the Kaxuyana Tunayana Indigenous territory is of great importance because it provides security for us, the forest people, our territory, and the biodiversity. We Indigenous peoples are not only fighting for ourselves, but for the community, for nature, says Juventino Kaxuyana, leader of the Kaxuyana people, and continues:
"Without an officially recognised territory, there is no health, no education, no culture. For those of us on the front line of this struggle, this was fantastic and moving news. Last night, I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about it. Those who are no longer with us – my uncle, my brother, my aunt – did not live to see this territory officially recognised. This is a very emotional day. We are so grateful".
PROTESTS: Indigenous protesters at COP30 demand rights and a seat at the negotiating table. Photo: Rainforest Foundation Norway
Not only seen, but heard
The COP30 climate summit has seen several Indigenous demonstrations taking place with representatives from across the Amazon. The demands have largely focused on the recognition and protection of Indigenous territories, but also on the need for more indigenous peoples to have a seat at the negotiating table.
Committed to Indigenous territories the size of France
During the climate negotiations, Brazil has committed to ensuring better protection of a total of 590,000 square kilometers of Indigenous territories, which is equivalent to the land area of France. The commitment is part of a global effort to protect Indigenous land rights. The Brazilian government has announced their intention to recognise an additional 16 Indigenous territories.
To achieve this, protection on paper alone is not enough. Monitoring of the areas and the efforts of the environmental police and Indigenous peoples themselves to stop intruders are crucial.
"The formal recognition of these areas is a milestone for historical justice and international leadership, and shows the world that Brazil recognises, values and empowers its traditional peoples as important partners in the fight against the climate crisis,"
Ana Kahyana, president of the Kaxuyana, Tunayana and Kahyana Indigenous Peoples' Federation, AIKATUK
EMOTIONAL: Ana Kahyana, president of the Kaxuyana, Tunayana and Kahyana Indigenous Peoples' Federation hugs a fellow Indigenous activist at the announcement of the new Indigenous territories Photo: Ruben Caixeta – Iepé
Contact:
Anders Haug Larsen
Advocacy Director
(+47) 932 17 626
andershl@rainforest.no