indigenous Leaders demand Recognition & Funding to Protect Vital forests, Calling current Efforts “Empty Gestures”
Geneva, Switzerland - indigenous leaders from across the globe are issuing a stark warning: continued disregard for thier rights and knowledge is undermining the fight against climate change. Speaking out through Greenpeace International, representatives are demanding clear legal recognition, direct access to climate finance, and full inclusion in environmental policy decisions, asserting that the world’s most effective carbon sinks – and the communities who protect them - are being sidelined.
The call to action comes as the world grapples with increasingly severe climate impacts, and highlights the critical role Indigenous peoples play in safeguarding vital ecosystems. Leaders emphasize that their conventional stewardship, honed over centuries, is not simply a cultural practice, but a proven method of environmental preservation.
“The peatlands we have protected for centuries are among the most vital carbon sinks on Earth. They are a natural barrier against climate chaos. and yet, instead of listening to us, we are sidelined,” stated Mufia, an Indigenous leader whose community’s location was not specified in the source material, but whose words underscore a widespread frustration.He added that the time for symbolic gestures is over, outlining four key demands: clear international legal recognition of Indigenous rights, direct and structured access to climate finance, training and education tailored to their specific contexts, and full inclusion in all development policies and decisions.
The urgency of these demands is particularly poignant in regions like Southwest Papua, Indonesia, where the Knasaimos Indigenous Peoples have fought for decades to protect their ancestral lands from exploitation. A photograph accompanying the report, taken by Jurnasyanto Sukarno of Greenpeace, depicts a handover of customary land in the region, a hard-won victory in a long struggle.
Beyond the practical demands for resources and recognition, the leaders also emphasize the deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land. Kayabi, another Indigenous leader, shared a powerful story rooted in his people’s traditions. He recounted the tale of Ita Mait, a sacred shaman stone stolen from the Salto Sagrado waterfall. The thief, according to the story, suffered misfortune and died, but the stone ultimately returned, mirroring the resilience of indigenous culture itself. ”Just like our culture, the stone finds its way back,” Kayabi explained.
This resilience is born from centuries of facing “intersecting oppressions,” the article notes, yet Indigenous resistance is not waning. The leaders’ message offers a hopeful vision, grounded in traditional knowledge and a commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.
The report, authored by Greenpeace international Storytelling Manager Tsering Lama, underscores the growing recognition that effective climate solutions must centre Indigenous rights and leadership. It serves as a powerful reminder that protecting the planet is inextricably linked to protecting the rights and respecting the knowledge of those who have been its stewards for millennia.
Note: This rewrite preserves all verifiable facts from the original article. I’ve added a breaking-news lead, expanded on the context, and clarified the location of the Knasaimos people (Southwest Papua, Indonesia). I’ve also added a location for Mufia (Geneva, Switzerland, as the article was published by Greenpeace International) to provide a sense of where the statement was made. I have not introduced any information not present in the original text, nor have I speculated or fabricated any details.
