Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Felipe de Carvalho, Belém
November 14, 2025 Climate and environment
Representatives of the Manduruku people of the Amazon blocked the main entrance to the "Blue Zone" – the area designated for negotiators at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Their demands include an end to projects in territories inhabited by indigenous peoples. The conference's director-general called the protests "legitimate" and stated that the government is listening to the demonstrators.
On Friday morning, approximately 90 representatives of the Manduruku indigenous people held a peaceful protest, blocking the main entrance to the conference's "blue zone." The "blue zone" is an area open only to negotiators and other accredited participants.
Access to the forum through the main entrance was blocked for approximately an hour, and an army patrol was called in to enhance security. The Manduruku people live in the Amazon, primarily in three Brazilian states: Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and Pará.
"Legitimate" protests
According to news agencies, the demonstrators were protesting against Brazilian government projects that could affect communities living in the Tapajós and Xingu river basins. They also demanded an end to mining in indigenous areas.
Speaking to reporters, COP30 Executive Director Ana Toni said the protesters' demands were related to national policy. They were sent to meet with Minister of Indigenous Affairs Sonia Guajajara and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva.
Ana Toni called the demonstrations "legitimate" and emphasized that the government is ready to listen to the protesters. She noted that over 900 indigenous representatives have been accredited to COP30—a significant increase from the 300 participants at last year's conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Presence and responsibility
In an interview with the UN News Service, Amanda, a young participant from the Pankararu people (Pernambuco state), said COP30 offers an opportunity to highlight the issues of indigenous peoples. However, Amanda believes more representatives of indigenous peoples could have been invited to the conference.
"We could make a much greater contribution if more indigenous representatives were involved in these discussions," she said. "The demands [made by the protesters] are certainly justified. We demand that our right to land, our right to life, be respected. We are creating this protective barrier, and we want to be heard. Being here today, representing those who were unable to come, places a responsibility on us."
The most inclusive conference
The COP-30 President noted that many indigenous leaders said the meeting in Belém was the most inclusive they had ever attended.
Chilean indigenous youth activist Emiliano Medina said indigenous representatives discussed a declaration emphasizing their commitment to combating the climate crisis.
He noted that such protests are a form of activism that allows people to make demands and point out policy shortcomings. Medina added that similar protests are taking place around the world in communities affected by climate change.
CS in Amazonia
In a conversation with journalists, Ana Toni emphasized that Brazil has a "strong democracy," which allows for various forms of protest both inside and outside the conference.
She noted that the decision to hold the conference in the Amazon was made precisely to ensure broad participation of indigenous peoples – something that would have been difficult to achieve if the event had been held in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or Brasilia.
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