Protesters Shut Down Main Entrance at Brazil’s COP30 Climate Talks

In a significant protest during the COP30 climate talks, approximately 100 Indigenous activists blocked the main entrance at the event in Belém, Brazil. The demonstration lasted 90 minutes and featured a peaceful standoff with the conference president, André Corrêa do Lago.

Details of the Protest

The demonstrators, primarily from the Munduruku Indigenous group, formed a human chain to prevent conference participants from entering. Dressed in traditional attire, they chanted, “No one enters, no one leaves.” Their demand was clear: a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Key Demands

• Revocation of commercial development plans for rivers.
• Cancellation of a grain railway project feared to contribute to deforestation.
• Clearer demarcation of Indigenous territories.
• Rejection of carbon credits tied to deforestation.

The protest began around 7:30 a.m. and intensified shortly thereafter. Despite the disruption, no physical confrontations occurred, with Brazilian military personnel maintaining a secure perimeter around the protest. Conference attendees were diverted to a side entrance as U.N. staff rearranged security measures, including metal detectors.

Meeting with Conference President

André Corrêa do Lago engaged directly with the protesters, even cradling a protester’s baby during their discussions. The dialogue concluded with the entrance to the COP30 venue reopening at 9:37 a.m., and attendees were informed that the protest posed “no danger.”

Support for Indigenous Voices

In support of the demonstrators, environmental activist Paolo Destilo joined the human chain, emphasizing the importance of giving Indigenous communities a platform during COP30. He remarked, “If this is really to be Indigenous peoples’ COP… these types of demonstrations should be welcomed.”

Context of the Protest

This protest follows previous disruptions at the conference, including a more intense clash involving Indigenous demonstrators and security personnel earlier in the week. As COP30 progresses, it remains a focal point for environmental debates and Indigenous rights advocacy.

The protests highlight the urgent need for effective action in addressing climate issues, as expressed by veteran activist Harjeet Singh, who noted the lack of progress in over three decades of negotiations. The call for meaningful change is echoed by Indigenous communities, who see themselves as key custodians of the environment.