Brazil just announced the creation of 10 new indigenous territories, marking a significant victory for indigenous groups. The designation comes as indigenous protesters continued to push for greater recognition and directparticipation in climate negotiations like COP30

A landmark victory for indigenous rights

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government will formalise the new territories through a presidential decree, protecting hundreds of thousands of hectares inhabited by the Mura, Tupinambá de Olivença, Pataxó, and other indigenous peoples. The move follows last year’s recognition of 11 territories and represents a direct response to years of advocacy.

The announcement came on Indigenous Peoples’ Day at COP30, as thousands protested outside the summit carrying signs reading “demarcation now.” 

Earlier in the week, demonstrators also broke into the conference venue, highlighting the urgency of their demands for land rights andprotection from cattle ranchers and illegal logging operations that threaten their territories.

What indigenous groups & island communities share

Like indigenous peoples who protect 82% of the world’s biodiversity, island communities serve as critical guardians of marine ecosystems and coastal resources. Both face similar battles for territorial sovereignty, direct access to climate finance, and recognition as frontline defenders against environmental degradation.

Even though the process is far from over, as they have to ensure area demarcation, the indigenous victory at COP30 demonstrates how sustained advocacy and collective action can influence policy at the highest levels. For islands negotiating their own climate finance mechanisms and pushing for greater autonomy in managing their territories, the indigenous movement’s success offers both inspiration and strategic lessons.

Island Innovation’s Activities

Yesterday, Island Innovation convened indigenous leaders, urban planners, and resilience practitioners to explore mobility-sensitive adaptation strategies for islands.

At the IOM Pavilion, participants discussed how climate-induced displacement can be reduced through nature-based solutions, indigenous architecture, and participatory governance. The panel showcased how integrating traditional knowledge into infrastructure planning strengthens adaptation in coastal cities and island communities facing rising seas and water insecurity.

Virtual course turns COP30 insights into local strategies

Our ongoing Sustainable Islands Course connected global COP30 developments with regional climate action through live insights and collaborative strategy sessions.

This week’s virtual course session featured a live vlog from Belém, where CEO James Ellsmoor and Director of Communications Thaiz Maciel shared reflections on COP30’s representation gap and the limited visibility of island voices at the negotiations due to logistical challenges.

Participants also joined interactive brainstorming sessions on thematic areas like climate finance, blue economy, community leadership, and just transition. The format allowed participants to contribute flexibly across topics, mapping how global COP30 insights can drive tangible outcomes in their own regions. Whilst island delegations may be underrepresented at this year’s COP, collaborative learning platforms can amplify their leadership and ensure COP30 insights drive real implementation.

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Today’s island events at COP30

If you have relevant COP30 updates or announcements, please contact us via [email protected], and we’ll be happy to share them (keeping in mind we have to limit promotional content).

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