“Indigenous Peoples are the best guardians of nature", UNSG interview before UNFCCC COP30
©Fundación Omacha/Fernando Trujillo
On the eve of UNFCCC COP30, UN Secretary General António Guterres held a first ever exclusive interview with an Indigenous journalist from the Amazon, during which he stressed the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ in protecting biodiversity and tackle climate change. COP30 is going to take place in Belem, in the Brazilian Amazon, from the 10th to the 21st November 2025. It is forecasted to be the UNFCCC COP with the highest Indigenous Peoples’ participation. As UNSG stated: “the voice of Indigenous [Peoples'] communities is an essential component of COP and should inspire the measures that are indispensable if we want to avoid a climate catastrophe".
Indigenous Peoples are amongst the first to suffer the consequences of climate change. At the same time, they are also amongst the least to have contributed to it. They are the guardians and best stewards of large shares of the world's remaining forests and biodiversity. Their territorial management practices are sustainable, respectful, and responsible towards future generations. There is much that the world can learn from them and from the values that lie at the base of their cosmogonies and food and knowledge systems.
In his only scheduled interview before COP, UNSG António Guterres reminded that “It is absolutely indispensable that a world-wide awareness is gained that Indigenous [Peoples'] communities are our defenders of nature, they are our defenders of the planet. The areas they control are the areas where nature is most protected, where biodiversity is guaranteed and where carbon dioxide is still drawn down from the atmosphere. Political leaders at the global level must assume the defence of the rights of Indigenous [Peoples'] communities as an essential priority in their internal and external policies".
The role of Indigenous Peoples as guardians of biodiversity and precious ecosystems must be recognised and respected. But not only, it must be actively supported. As the UNSG underlined: “it is absolutely fundamental to invest in those who are the best guardians of nature. And the best guardians of nature are precisely the Indigenous [Peoples'] communities". There is therefore the need for “financing programs that allow Indigenous [People's] communities to optimize the work that, on behalf of all of us, they carry out, preserving biodiversity, preserving the forest, and at the same time contributing to reduce CO2 emissions".
Nevertheless, financial support alone is not enough. To uphold the important role played by Indigenous Peoples in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification there is a strong need for "political support, legal support, and the guarantee that their rights are not violated, as unfortunately today happens in so many countries", reminded Mr. Guterres. All eyes will be pointed at the UNFCCC COP30 to see whether this support is going to increase.
Indigenous Peoples are key actors in securing a better, safer and nutritious future for all. As did the UN Secretary General, FAO also recognises, respects and supports their efforts in keeping a healthy relationship between humankind and nature. Because, as Mr. Guterres stated to have learnt from Indigenous Peoples, “between nature and humanity, there’s a single family. And it’s fundamental that this single family is united and that the members of this family protect each other. Nature is what allows life".
Indigenous Peoples are true hope for our common future. At this upcoming COP, let's listen from those who managed ecosystems in a sustainable way for thousands of years. Let's learn from Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems. Let's commit to support them and to “end the war against nature", to use the words of the Secretary General of the United Nations. Time to act is now.