By Abdullahi Lukman
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from the world’s largest and most vital tropical forest basins will gather in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from May 26 to 30, 2025, for the First Global Congress of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from the Forest Basin.
The event aims to define key outcomes for COP30 focused on protecting the territories these communities manage, particularly around land titling and securing direct financial support for conservation efforts.
Over 400 participants are expected at the landmark congress, which will include Indigenous leaders, local community representatives, and government officials from around the world.
Key figures such as Hans Brattskar, Norway’s Special Envoy for Climate and Environment, and Harlem Siu Mariño Saavedra from Peru’s Ministry of Environment will attend, highlighting the event’s global significance.
The congress will play a crucial role in pushing for the protection of Indigenous territories, which are increasingly under threat due to rising deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Joseph Itongwa, an Indigenous leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasized the need for COP30 to prioritize Indigenous land rights as a central climate solution. “Our forests are not just carbon sinks or resources – they are our homes, our histories, and our futures,” said Itongwa.
Related Posts
“This convening will harness the power of the world’s largest rainforests and advance land rights and secure direct funding to defend our lands.”
The congress is being co-hosted by the Global Alliance for Territorial Communities (GATC) and the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), building on previous milestones at COP26 in Glasgow, COP15 in Montreal, and COP29 in Baku.
The goal is to translate international pledges into concrete policies, financing mechanisms, and legal protections for Indigenous communities.
As the world faces critical environmental challenges, including accelerating deforestation, the congress highlights the essential role of Indigenous Peoples in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
Studies show that deforestation rates are significantly lower in areas managed by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, underscoring their unique ability to protect forest ecosystems.
Organizers stress that the need for action is urgent, especially following setbacks such as the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the suspension of international climate finance.
“Recent geo-political setbacks have only intensified the urgency to amplify the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in climate and biodiversity action,” the promoters stated.
The congress represents a significant opportunity to bring attention to the vital role of Indigenous communities in global conservation efforts and ensure that their rights are central to the upcoming COP30 discussions.
