Brazil | Collaboration and Partnerships | Hivos

Journey to Belem/COP30: Amplifying Indigenous Voices from the Amazon

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru converge, we recently participated in a transformative event that reinforced the critical importance of Indigenous leadership in climate action. The CUIDA initiative (CARE - Amazon Incidence by Climate), supported by Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA), brought us to Brasiléia and Xapuri in Acre, Brazil, gathering more than 50 participants from VCA coalitions across Brazil's North, Northeast, and Southeast regions to share advocacy strategies for climate action.

THE POWER OF GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP

Our journey through the Amazon’s undulating green landscapes was more than a site visit—it was an immersion into the frontlines of climate advocacy. We witnessed firsthand how Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) are in charge of forest preservation and sustainable resource management.

The CUIDA event, held between December 12th and 17th, 2024, focused on fostering climate justice through communication and advocacy capacity development and demonstrated the vital role of local voices in shaping global climate action. Over five intensive days, we engaged with communities that exemplify resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

HONOURING CHICO MENDES’ LEGACY

December 2024 marked the 36th commemoration of Chico Mendes’ assassination. Standing at his home in Xapuri, we were deeply moved by the price he paid defending the rights of Indigenous peoples and the Amazon Forest. His most significant legacy lives on through establishing Resex (extractive reserves), a unique type of protected area that allows local communities to carry out traditional activities while preserving the forest sustainably.

During our visit to the first-ever Resex in Brazil, the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, we witnessed how traditional activities such as rubber tapping and Brazil nut harvesting continue to thrive, demonstrating the successful integration of community livelihoods with forest conservation.

INDIGENOUS VOICES: THE FIRST LINE OF CLIMATE DEFENCE

Throughout our journey, one truth became clear: IPLCs have the essential role of being our planet’s most reliable and trustworthy defenders. These communities are invaluable as first responders to climate emergencies, thought leaders in sustainable solutions, guardians of traditional knowledge crucial for forest preservation, and pioneers of effective natural resource management.

Yet, these same communities face ongoing challenges: land grabbing, legal battles, violence, and systematic marginalisation. Their voices, despite being crucial to climate action, often go unheard in global discussions.

STRENGTHENING OUR LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE

The CUIDA event also provided critical insights for planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (PMEL) as we prepare for the upcoming end-term evaluation of the VCA program. It was a reminder of the importance of capturing not just outputs but the transformative changes driven by IPLCs. Reflecting on the lessons learned in the Amazon will help shape how we assess progress, measure impact, and document stories of change.

The event underscored the value of co-creation in PMEL processes—ensuring that IPLCs are at the forefront of defining success and identifying strategies to sustain climate justice efforts. As we move forward, these insights will inform how we adapt our tools and methodologies, ensuring that they remain inclusive, participatory, and aligned with the realities on the ground.

FROM LOCAL ACTION TO GLOBAL IMPACT

The CUIDA program is working to change this narrative through its focus on communication capacity development. During our workshop sessions, we witnessed local advocates being equipped with tools to amplify their voices and share their stories effectively. The solidarity economy fair demonstrated how sustainable practices can support both environmental preservation and community livelihoods.

The journey reinforced three critical priorities as we prepare for COP30 in Belém:

Creating meaningful spaces for IPLCs to influence climate crisis narratives.
Redirecting substantial climate finance to support locally-led initiatives.
Ensuring that traditional/indigenous knowledge and rights are respected and protected.

A PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

What began as a professional visit became a profound personal journey. Through its people and their connection to the forest, Brazil showed us that effective climate action is inherently personal and deeply rooted in the community. The serene river flows, the vibrant community spirit, and the unwavering dedication to environmental protection left an indelible mark on our hearts.

LOOKING FORWARD: THE PATH TO COP30

As we journey toward COP30 in Belém, the lessons from our time in the Amazon guide our way forward. We have learned that effective leadership requires boots on the ground and that understanding the nuances of VCA’s impact demands direct engagement with the communities we serve.

The path to climate justice requires more than policies and programs—it demands genuine partnership with those who have been protecting our planet’s most crucial ecosystems for generations. The Amazon’s defenders have shown us that local solutions can have a global impact.

Let us ensure that Indigenous voices lead the way in shaping our response to the climate crisis. As Chico Mendes showed us, the future of the Amazon—and indeed, our planet—depends on it.

CUIDA!! Viva!

Written by Job Muriithi, Hivos VCA Global PMEL and Danielle Almeida, Hivos Brazil Project Officer