Fights broke out between protesters and security guards. KS30 Climate talks late on Tuesday when a group of indigenous and non-indigenous people stormed the conference center in Belém.
Several dozen men and women, some wearing colorful feather headdresses, ran through the entrance, knocking at least one door off its hinges before passing through metal detectors and entering the Blue Zone.
UN guards rushed to stop them, which resulted in some grabbing, pushing and screaming. At least one non-Indigenous man in the area carried a sign that read, “Our forests are not for sale.” Others wore T-shirts that read “Together” (Together).
They waved banners and chanted until they were forcibly taken away.
Local media reported that one guard was injured. It was unclear how serious.
After the clash, protesters left the venue and uniformed fire officials formed a cordon to block the entrance.
It is unclear who is responsible for the intrusion. But at least one observer was impressed: “Finally, something happened here,” said Juan Carlos Monterrey-Gómez, Panamanian climate negotiator.
Unlike the last three Cops, which were held in countries with varying degrees of authoritarian rule, the Brazilian hosts are actively encouraging civil society and street demonstrations to play a role in this conference.
Indigenous groups and non-governmental organizations have already become more visible inside and outside the venue, helping to balance out the armies of lobbyists who have dominated recent climate meetings. The People's Summit will take place on Thursday and Friday, followed by a global youth rally on Friday, with the biggest demonstration planned for Saturday.
The number of activists has grown over the past week and they are already organizing up to four events a day, which have so far been peaceful. Tuesday saw protests from a feminist collective, pro-Palestinian supporters and health and environmental groups.
More activists will arrive tomorrow in a flotilla of about 100 vessels led by two of the Amazon rainforest's most respected indigenous leaders, Raoni Metuktire and Davi Kopenawa Yanomami.
