At the close of the People’s Summit on Sunday (16), more than 1,000 organizations from all countries present in Belém greeted the creation of the International Movement of People Affected by Dams and Climate Crisis, in a gesture of recognition of the importance that this organization has in several countries and will have internationally. 

The movement brings together representatives from five continents and consolidates, for the first time, a permanent global organization dedicated to addressing socio-environmental disasters, rights violations, and the climate crisis. It was made official during the IV International Meeting of People Affected by Dams and the Climate Crisis, held in Belém from November 6 to 11. 

The foundation was celebrated amid the delivery of the Summit’s political letter to COP 30 President André Corrêa do Lago, a document that brings together demands such as zero deforestation, immediate demarcation of traditional territories, agrarian reform, combating environmental racism, zero fares on public transportation, an end to the exploitation of fossil fuels, and fair compensation for all those affected by dams, mining, and extreme weather events.

“For the organizations that are building the international movement of those affected, the Summit’s recognition is a very important step in supporting and backing the work carried out in various countries by those affected. It also reinforces the need for strong organized movements to protect the population and demand rights in the face of the current climate crisis, which has been dramatic for millions of people around the world,” said Luiz Dalla Costa, a member of the national coordination of the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB). 

Raoni: “If we don’t defend what remains on this earth, there will be great chaos.”

The final plenary session opened with an emotional speech by Chief Raoni, leader of the Kayapó Mebêngôkre people. Warning of the worsening climate crisis, he said: “The rivers are drying up more and more; the air is becoming increasingly difficult to breathe; the rain is not coming. If we are not conscious of defending what remains on this earth, there will be great chaos.”

Raoni ended his participation with a message of unity: “I am here to pass on my message to everyone. May we be friends, in harmony, in this struggle for life.”

Crowds, victories, and dreams

Over five days, more than 20,000 people attended the People’s Summit, while diplomats from 195 countries negotiated the official COP 30 agenda at the UN. According to the organizers, more than 1,100 organizations signed the political letter and representatives from more than 60 countries attended.

The mobilization achieved a significant victory: after protests by indigenous peoples of the Lower Tapajós and the Munduruku people, the federal government announced that no projects will be carried out on the Tapajós River without prior, free, and informed consultation. The decision was communicated by Minister Guilherme Boulos during the final act. The news drew applause from hundreds of indigenous and riverine leaders in attendance. In the plenary session, Environment Minister Marina Silva read a letter sent by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the participants. In the text, Lula states: “COP 30 would not be complete without your participation. The fight against climate change requires the mobilization of the whole of society, not just governments”.

The president also emphasized the alignment between science and civil society: “This is a COP of truth, and civil society demonstrations are aligned with science. We are in a hurry. We cannot postpone decisions that have been debated for so many years, such as just transition and adaptation.“ He concluded by advocating for a global framework for the progressive abandonment of fossil fuels: ”We need a roadmap so that humanity can, in a fair and planned manner, overcome its dependence on fossil fuels and stop and reverse deforestation.”

When presenting the presidential letter, Minister Marina Silva highlighted the strength of popular mobilization. “Civil society demonstrations are allied with science. We are moving forward in an inclusive and transparent manner, and this week will be crucial for the outcome of COP 30.”

A popular agenda for Brazil and the world

The letter delivered to the COP 30 presidency denounces the advance of inequalities, environmental racism, and the financialization of nature. It reaffirms that common goods such as air, water, forests, minerals, and energy cannot be privatized and condemns false solutions that repeat extractivist models.

The document also demands:

• End of oil, gas, and coal exploration;
• Fair and popular energy transition;
• Demarcation of all indigenous lands;
• Recognition of traditional knowledge;
• Combating companies responsible for socio-environmental crimes; and
• Restorative justice for those affected in Brazil and around the world.

Read the People’s Summit Declaration ahead of COP 30 here.

A historic milestone for those affected

The creation of the International Movement of People Affected by Dams and Climate Crisis represents an unprecedented step in the global coordination of people affected by mega-projects, socio-environmental disasters, and the climate crisis.

Since the Belém Summit, people affected from dozens of countries have committed to coordinating joint actions, strengthening solidarity, denouncing violations, and building energy, territorial, and economic alternatives based on good living, justice, and popular sovereignty. The world of those affected, once fragmented by borders, now recognizes itself as part of a single struggle of the peoples of the world.