Indigenous Activists Halt Climate Summit Proceedings
In a dramatic early morning protest, approximately 50 members of the Munduruku Indigenous community from the Amazon basin successfully blockaded the primary entrance to the Cop30 climate conference for several hours on Friday. The demonstration, supported by international environmental organisations, unfolded under the watchful eyes of riot police, soldiers and military vehicles stationed at the venue.
Demanding Presidential Attention
The protesters expressed their frustration at being consistently overlooked by Brazil's political leadership. "We demand the presence of President Lula, but unfortunately we are unable to do so, as always," one activist stated. "We were always barred, we were never listened to." Their objective was to personally explain their grievances to President Lula da Silva regarding the plight of Indigenous peoples in Brazil.
While the president didn't appear, the group did secure a substantial meeting with André Corrêado Lago, the Cop president, who engaged in discussions with representatives for over an hour. The blockade caused significant disruption, forming long queues of delegates who were redirected to a smaller side entrance while negotiations continued.
Broader Context of Civil Society Participation
This protest represents just one facet of expected activism during the Belém summit, marking the first UN climate conference held in a democracy in four years. Senior figures at Cop30 have actively encouraged civil society involvement, with UN secretary-general António Guterres telling the Guardian that Indigenous and other people's organisations help counterbalance corporate lobbyists' influence.
Disturbingly, analysis by the Kick Big Polluters Out coalition revealed that one in every 25 participants at this year's summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist. Meanwhile, Corrêa do Lago has emphasised that civil society plays a crucial role in pushing negotiators toward more ambitious climate action.
The activist spirit has been palpable throughout the conference, with hundreds arriving in Belém via boats along the Amazon River. A protest flotilla of more than 100 vessels recently sailed around Guajará Bay near the Federal University of Pará, hosting a parallel "people's summit." Further demonstrations are planned, including the procession of two inflatable serpents symbolising resistance through city streets.
Activist events have been predominantly peaceful and sometimes celebratory, featuring performances by renowned Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil. Kudakwashe Manjonjo of Power Shift Africa noted: "What we are excited about in Brazil is that this country has a culture and history of mass movements which really push political decisions for social change."
Civil society groups are advocating for the establishment of the Belém Action Mechanism (Bam), designed to accelerate and coordinate a "just transition" toward low-carbon economies while ensuring communities lead decisions affecting their livelihoods.
Inside the conference halls, negotiations continue intensively, with Thursday's sessions extending until 9pm to address particularly challenging issues surrounding finance, trade, emissions-cutting pledges and transparency. Similar extensions were anticipated for Friday as Brazil strives to achieve meaningful progress ahead of Saturday's stocktake session.
