Nia Tero Celebrates Landmark Victory for Indigenous Land Rights in Brazil
On November 19, 2025, Nia Tero, a global organization dedicated to supporting indigenous peoples, proudly celebrated a monumental victory regarding the recognition and delimitation of indigenous territories, particularly focusing on the Kaxuyana-Tunayana area in Brazil. This landmark announcement, made during COP30, introduces heightened environmental protection and self-determination for indigenous communities across twenty designated areas, including the extensive Kaxuyana-Tunayana Indigenous Land, which spans over 2.4 million hectares. Approximately 88% of the recently designated territory comes from Kaxuyana-Tunayana, showcasing its vast ecological significance.
The Brazilian government's initiative is applauded as a major leap towards justice for the indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands have been validated after years of struggle. 'Aulani Wilhelm, the CEO of Nia Tero and a Kanaka 'Ōiwi, emphasized that the recognition of these territorial claims is not just a victory for today’s indigenous populations but also for future generations and the ecological health of the Amazon itself. He affirmed that any significant path towards addressing climate change must involve indigenous peoples as core decision-makers.'
In tandem with this recognition, the government has made strides in the acknowledgment process for an additional sixteen indigenous territories, reinforcing a wave of progress for these communities participating in the COP30 discussions.
Prominent figures in the indigenous leadership, such as Nara Baré, the director of Nia Tero in Brazil, expressed deep gratitude and pride in this recognition, viewing it as a necessary acknowledgment of land that has always belonged to indigenous peoples. In her statement, she remarked, 'The formal recognition of Kaxuyana-Tunayana’s territory is a remedy for the historical injustices faced by our ancestors. It symbolizes dignity amid the struggles we've endured and facilitates our continued connection to our land and culture.'
This significant political move aims to address the devastating impacts of colonization, exploitation, and environmental degradation that have historically befallen indigenous peoples. Angela Kaxuyana, an indigenous leader and representative of the indigenous organizations in the Brazilian Amazon, articulated the significance of this recognition. She noted, 'It consolidates over twenty years of organized effort led by indigenous organizations and key leaders within our community. Today is a reaffirmation of our identity and a crucial step towards justice and self-governance.'
The tangible outcomes of this decision have far-reaching implications, not only for the communities directly involved but for the entire planet. The indigenous territories maintain some of the highest levels of biodiversity and lowest deforestation rates in Brazil, highlighting their critical role in global climate regulation. Their preservation is essential, as they serve as vital ecological corridors that sustain diverse species while contributing to climate stability. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that lands managed by indigenous peoples exhibit significantly lower rates of deforestation, underscoring their importance in mitigation efforts against climate change.
The recognized land encompasses a mosaic of thriving ecosystems within the Amazon and is home to several isolated indigenous groups. These territories serve not merely as a refuge for unique biodiversity but are also sacred sites that embody the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities.
In essence, the current developments signify a pivotal moment in the ongoing advocacy for indigenous rights in Brazil and a recognition that sustainable environmental stewardship is intrinsically linked to the rights of indigenous peoples. Nia Tero continues to advocate for such initiatives, underlining that the health of the planet is intertwined with the preservation of indigenous cultures and land.
This monumental announcement not only represents a victory for indigenous rights but also a call to action for the global community to acknowledge and integrate indigenous knowledge and stewardship in broader climate strategies. Every action taken towards the protection of these invaluable territories supports ecological health and upholds the dignity of indigenous communities striving for autonomy and respect.
As we reflect on this historic milestone, it reminds us of the crucial need for solidarity in addressing complex environmental issues through indigenous perspectives and leadership. Nia Tero and its partners, including the Bezos Earth Fund, remain committed to supporting indigenous nations as they navigate the path to sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural resilience.
The Brazilian government's initiative is applauded as a major leap towards justice for the indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands have been validated after years of struggle. 'Aulani Wilhelm, the CEO of Nia Tero and a Kanaka 'Ōiwi, emphasized that the recognition of these territorial claims is not just a victory for today’s indigenous populations but also for future generations and the ecological health of the Amazon itself. He affirmed that any significant path towards addressing climate change must involve indigenous peoples as core decision-makers.'
In tandem with this recognition, the government has made strides in the acknowledgment process for an additional sixteen indigenous territories, reinforcing a wave of progress for these communities participating in the COP30 discussions.
Prominent figures in the indigenous leadership, such as Nara Baré, the director of Nia Tero in Brazil, expressed deep gratitude and pride in this recognition, viewing it as a necessary acknowledgment of land that has always belonged to indigenous peoples. In her statement, she remarked, 'The formal recognition of Kaxuyana-Tunayana’s territory is a remedy for the historical injustices faced by our ancestors. It symbolizes dignity amid the struggles we've endured and facilitates our continued connection to our land and culture.'
This significant political move aims to address the devastating impacts of colonization, exploitation, and environmental degradation that have historically befallen indigenous peoples. Angela Kaxuyana, an indigenous leader and representative of the indigenous organizations in the Brazilian Amazon, articulated the significance of this recognition. She noted, 'It consolidates over twenty years of organized effort led by indigenous organizations and key leaders within our community. Today is a reaffirmation of our identity and a crucial step towards justice and self-governance.'
The tangible outcomes of this decision have far-reaching implications, not only for the communities directly involved but for the entire planet. The indigenous territories maintain some of the highest levels of biodiversity and lowest deforestation rates in Brazil, highlighting their critical role in global climate regulation. Their preservation is essential, as they serve as vital ecological corridors that sustain diverse species while contributing to climate stability. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that lands managed by indigenous peoples exhibit significantly lower rates of deforestation, underscoring their importance in mitigation efforts against climate change.
The recognized land encompasses a mosaic of thriving ecosystems within the Amazon and is home to several isolated indigenous groups. These territories serve not merely as a refuge for unique biodiversity but are also sacred sites that embody the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities.
In essence, the current developments signify a pivotal moment in the ongoing advocacy for indigenous rights in Brazil and a recognition that sustainable environmental stewardship is intrinsically linked to the rights of indigenous peoples. Nia Tero continues to advocate for such initiatives, underlining that the health of the planet is intertwined with the preservation of indigenous cultures and land.
This monumental announcement not only represents a victory for indigenous rights but also a call to action for the global community to acknowledge and integrate indigenous knowledge and stewardship in broader climate strategies. Every action taken towards the protection of these invaluable territories supports ecological health and upholds the dignity of indigenous communities striving for autonomy and respect.
As we reflect on this historic milestone, it reminds us of the crucial need for solidarity in addressing complex environmental issues through indigenous perspectives and leadership. Nia Tero and its partners, including the Bezos Earth Fund, remain committed to supporting indigenous nations as they navigate the path to sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural resilience.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.