Climate Change and Indigenous Rights: The world talks about climate change, but the real battle is being fought by Indigenous people in the forests. The assault of deforestation and mining is increasing on tropical forests. Amazon, Congo, Indonesia – everywhere Indigenous communities are standing up to save their home. They are forming alliances like the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC), forcing policy changes.
Their voice will be decisive at COP30. “Guardians of the Forest: Indigenous People are the key to stopping the climate crisis” – This is not just a slogan, it is reality. In this blog, know their struggle, successes, policy failures, and the way forward.
Why are Forests the Heart of the Climate?
Tropical forests perform the task of storing 30% of the Earth’s oxygen and carbon. But every year, 11 million hectares of forest are cut down. Over 40% of this is for mining, palm oil, soybean, and beef production. Indigenous people are the real owners and protectors of these forests – they have been living sustainably for 5000 years. 80% of the planet’s biodiversity is on their lands.
The Biggest Threat to Indigenous Communities
- The plight of illegal gold mining on Yanomami tribes in the Amazon.
- Dayak community displaced by palm oil plantations in Indonesia.
- Coal mines in tribal areas of India (Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Andolan).
Success Stories – GATC and Other Alliances
Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC) – An alliance of 500+ Indigenous organizations from 9 countries in 2024-25.
- Won the right to 3 million hectares of land in Brazil.
- Won a referendum against oil drilling in Yasuni National Park in Ecuador (2023, but the impact is yet to fully be realized).
- Dongria Kondh halted the Niveeli Mining Project (the struggle continues since 2013).
- In Hasdeo, in 2022-2023, 10 villages stopped machines by hugging trees.
Policy Failure – Paper Promises
- REDD+ Program: Money is allocated but often doesn’t reach the Indigenous people.
- Forest Rights Act 2006 in India: 44 million hectares claimed, only 5% validated.
- Even at COP29, Indigenous representation was only 7%.
COP30 (2025, Brazil) – A Ray of Hope
- Unprecedented focus on Indigenous issues is expected at COP30.
- Proposal to strengthen the “Indigenous Peoples’ Platform.”
- Demand to make FPIC (Free, Prior, Informed Consent) mandatory in the 30×30 target (30% land and ocean conservation by 2030).
The Way Forward – What Can We Do?
- Donate to Indigenous organizations (GATC, Survival International).
- Choose palm-oil-free products.
- Trend #IndigenousRights on social media.
- Write a letter to your MP – demand full implementation of the FRA.
The climate crisis is not a technical problem – it is a moral one. The true guardians of the forest are the Indigenous people. Until their voices are heard, no COP, no Paris Agreement will work.
Guardians of the Forest: Indigenous People are the key to stopping the climate crisis. Make their fight your fight, starting today.
Greed vs. Nature: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj on Preserving Forests
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj says – if we call the Earth the mother, the trees are her hair. One who plunders the Earth is killing their mother. Indigenous people live with nature for centuries because they have the true knowledge – all are children of one Supreme God (Paramatma).
As long as greed and ego persist, forests will continue to be cut. Only when the mind is purified through Satsang (spiritual discourse) will the Earth be saved. Love trees, they too are living beings – This is the Sat Gyan that has been with Indigenous people for centuries. Today, the whole world should learn from them.
Read Also: Amazon Rainforest Warning: When a Carbon Sink Starts to Leak
FAQs: Climate Change and Indigenous Rights:
1 Why is the Indigenous role important in climate change?
Because they are the protectors of land containing 80% of the world’s biodiversity.
2 What is the GATC alliance?
It is a global alliance of Indigenous communities and organizations from the Amazon and other regions fighting to save the forests.
3 What are Indigenous people fighting for in India regarding forest rights?
For the full implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006 and to stop new mining projects.
4 What is the Indigenous expectation from COP30?
Unprecedented focus on their issues at COP30 and mandatory FPIC in the 30×30 target.
5 How can I help the Indigenous climate fight?
Donate, raise awareness, choose palm-oil-free products, and raise your voice on social media.
