Thousands of individuals marched through the streets of Belem yesterday to call for action from negotiators engaged in challenging discussions at the UN’s COP30 climate summit in the Amazonian city. Amid scorching sun, Indigenous groups and activists came together in a lively setting, playing music, carrying a large Earth-themed beach ball, and waving a Brazilian flag with the words “Protected Amazon.”
This marked the first significant protest outside the annual climate conferences since COP26 in Glasgow four years ago, as the previous three meetings took place in locations with limited tolerance for demonstrations. Dubbed the “Great People’s March” by organizers, the Belem demonstration occurred midway through heated negotiations and followed two earlier Indigenous-led protests that disrupted proceedings.
Benedito Huni Kuin, a 50-year-old member of the Huni Kuin Indigenous community from western Brazil, expressed concerns about the destruction of their forest, emphasizing the need for increased Indigenous representation at COP to safeguard their rights. Tyrone Scott, a 31-year-old activist from the anti-poverty organization War on Want, described the march as “Indigenous-led, movement-driven, and people-powered.”
The demonstrators demanded “reparations” for harm inflicted by corporations and governments, particularly on marginalized populations. Some also displayed a large Palestinian flag and a “free Palestine” banner, while a protester dressed as Uncle Sam on stilts denounced imperialism.
Following a 4.5-kilometer march through the city, the protest planned to conclude near the COP30 venue, where security forces were deployed to ensure safety. Earlier in the week, Indigenous protesters breached the COP30 compound, leading to clashes with security personnel. High-level interventions were required to resolve tensions as negotiations inside the venue remained critical.
Key issues at the summit included addressing insufficient climate targets, enhancing financial support for vulnerable nations, and transitioning to low-carbon economies. Disagreements arose over trade barriers like Europe’s carbon border tax and the timing for phasing out fossil fuels. Negotiators anticipated government ministers’ arrival the following week to finalize agreements by the conference’s conclusion on November 21.
While some participants expressed optimism, an African negotiator cautioned that without proactive leadership, the COP could end without substantial outcomes. German State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth highlighted the parties’ commitment to a positive result, while the Brazilian presidency encouraged delegates to view consultations as “therapy sessions” to address concerns constructively.
Brazil’s chief negotiator, Liliam Chagas, likened the negotiations to a roller coaster of ups and downs, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and collaboration to achieve meaningful progress.