Indigenous Leaders Demand Rights Protection in Green Energy Transition

Indigenous leaders from 35 countries gathered at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) to demand protection of their rights and consent in the green energy transition. They cited concerns about land grabs, criminalization, and attacks related to mining projects on their territories.

The forum focused on youth, with several young Indigenous leaders speaking about the challenges their communities face, including difficulties in seal hunting due to climate change, lack of support for Batwa children's education, access to fresh water, and infringement on the self-determination of the Sámi people in Finland. "We are frustrated with the lack of action and emotion from the UN in addressing these issues," said one Indigenous leader. They called for more support and collaboration to protect their rights and lands.

Why this matters: The demands of Indigenous leaders highlight the ongoing struggle for the protection of Indigenous rights and the need for their inclusion in the green energy transition. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, it is essential to ensure that the rights of Indigenous communities are respected and their voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect their territories and way of life.

The Hasdeo movement in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, led by Alok Shukla, has been recognized as a model for environmental justice. Shukla led a successful community campaign that saved 445,000 acres of biodiverse forests from 21 planned coal mines. In July 2022, the government canceled the proposed coal mines in the Hasdeo Aranya region, which is home to endangered species and Adivasi communities. Shukla was awarded the 2024 Goldman Prize from Asia for his efforts to protect the Hasdeo forests, considered the 'lungs of Chhattisgarh' and a critical tiger corridor.

In Brazil, Indigenous leaders gathered for the 20th Free Land Camp (Acampamento Terra Livre - ATL), a major annual mobilization organized by the Association of Brazil's Indigenous Peoples (APIB). The event aimed to amplify the voices and resistance of Indigenous peoples and advance the struggle for Indigenous rights to land demarcation and sovereignty. Despite the challenging political scenario, the ATL mobilization achieved significant results, including President Lula's creation of a 'task force' to address legal and political issues related to Indigenous land demarcations.

The demands of Indigenous leaders at the UNPFII and the successes of movements like the Hasdeo campaign in India and the ATL mobilization in Brazil demonstrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities in protecting their rights and territories. As Dinamam Tuxá, APIB's Executive Secretary, stated, "The ATL 2024 reaffirmed our commitment to the constitution and democracy. We call for Congress to stop creating an anti-Indigenous agenda and for the executive branch to fulfill its institutional role in demarcating Indigenous lands." The ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights remains one of the most powerful and influential social movements in the world today.

Key Takeaways

• Indigenous leaders demand protection of rights in green energy transition
• Hasdeo movement in India saved 445,000 acres of forests from coal mining
• Indigenous leaders in Brazil mobilize for land demarcation and sovereignty
• UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues focused on youth and challenges
• Ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights remains a powerful social movement