Guardians of the Amazon: the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples in climate action

From the Amazon to the World

Indigenous Peoples are present across the globe. Their territories cover 28% of the Earth’s land surface and are home to much of the world’s biodiversity. They are essential allies in climate mitigation: forests under Indigenous Peoples’ management experience lower rates of deforestation and store more carbon (RRI, 2023).

Despite notable progress and the growing recognition of Indigenous participation in recent climate summits, major challenges persist. Eighteen years after the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), they are still excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their lands and futures.

Participation for Climate Resilience

At Practical Action, we are committed to inclusive, participatory approaches that ensure no one is left behind. Our “Missing Voices” approach enables us to listen to all people. By working hand-in-hand with local organisations, we build trust-based relationships and foster open dialogue. This is the foundation of our work with Indigenous Peoples across Latin America.

In Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, we support actions that strengthens Indigenous agency, enabling them to participate effectively in the formulation of public policies, in informed decision-making for disaster risk reduction, and in accessing climate finance mechanisms that allow Indigenous Peoples to improve their livelihoods.

In Peru and Ecuador, we lead the Andes-Amazon Biodiverse Landscapes Fund project (BLF), funded by UK Government’s Biodiverse Landscapes Fund programme. This initiative promotes sustainable livelihoods, strengthens indigenous governance, empowers women, and increases climate resilience while protecting the biodiversity of over 1.2 million hectares.

A key initiative supported by the project was an international exchange between Indigenous Peoples from Ecuador and Peru. During this workshop, the Jurisdictional Indigenous REDD+ programme was presented. This climate finance mechanism aims to channel resources directly to Indigenous-led institutions, recognising their rights and ancestral knowledge. It represents a crucial step towards building a shared agenda in the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil.

In Bolivia, we support the Indigenous Inclusion for Informed Decision-Making project, which strengthens the Tacana and Aymara communities. This initiative integrates Indigenous languages and knowledge into communication and early warning systems, ensuring that risk-related information is both accessible and useful, especially during times of crisis. An estimated 20,000 Indigenous People are expected to benefit from this effort.

The Future is Indigenous

At Practical Action, we firmly believe that protecting the Amazon is only possible if we recognise and support those who have always been on the frontline of its defence: Indigenous Peoples. It is essential to ensure they have the tools and resources they need so we can move forward together in protecting the only planet we have.

On this International Day of the World´s Indigenous Peoples, we honour the voices of thousands of Indigenous women and men who, through their ancestral knowledge and deep connection to their territories, have long been, and continue to be, the guardians of the Amazon.

Across Latin America, Indigenous Peoples are leading a path towards more inclusive and equitable participation. At Practical Action, we are proud to walk alongside them, because where there is action, there is hope.