Indigenous Groups in Brazil Protest Carbon Credit Deal
Indigenous groups in Brazil's Para state are protesting a government deal to sell one hundred eighty million dollar worth of carbon credits, claiming they were not consulted. The LEAF Coalition, involving Amazon.com Inc and others, aims to reduce deforestation by generating carbon credits, but Indigenous leaders argue they are the primary forest protectors and should be involved. Tribal leader Alessandra Korap Munduruku, concerned about foreign company involvement, seeks greater consultation and warns that their territories are not for sale.
In Para, Brazil, Indigenous organizations have expressed dissent regarding a government deal to sell carbon offset credits without due consultation.
The deal, valued at $180 million and coordinated through the LEAF Coalition—a conservation initiative started by Amazon.com Inc and other firms in 2021—aims to support Amazon rainforest preservation.
Governor Helder Barbalho initially stated that Indigenous communities were involved.
However, 38 Indigenous and local organizations have denounced this claim, emphasizing the neglect of effective climate adaptation policies and the protection of forest lands.
Alessandra Korap Munduruku, a prominent tribal leader and recent Goldman environmental prize winner, voiced concerns over U.S. companies' involvement in the deal, stressing the need for Indigenous consultation.
The agreement, focusing on reducing deforestation in Para, aims to generate up to 12 million carbon credits over three years, with proceeds purportedly benefiting local communities.
Para is set to host the UN COP30 climate summit as Brazil seeks to revitalize its environmental image under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.