The initiative will strengthen the equal participation of Indigenous Peoples in discussions that concern them
Belém, November 15 – On a day dedicated to Indigenous issues at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) Pavilion at COP30, leaders from several countries took part in a panel on the Amazonian Indigenous Peoples Mechanism (MAPI), whose implementation will begin in December. The Brazilian Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, and Colombian former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Juan Manuel Santos attended the session, underscoring the importance of this new instrument for safeguarding Indigenous rights and advancing environmental conservation.
The MAPI will feature an innovative co-presidency structure in which each Member State will be represented by one government delegate and one Indigenous delegate. This parity-based approach introduces a new model of shared governance, ensuring the active participation of Indigenous Peoples in ACTO’s agenda.
“MAPI is a space for dialogue and cooperation between governments and Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon Basin, created to coordinate and strengthen Indigenous participation in matters of shared interest, such as rights and territories,” stated Martín von Hildebrand, ACTO Secretary-General.
Minister Sonia Guajajara highlighted the historic nature of the mechanism: “It is the first time we officially have an Indigenous mechanism within the Amazonian countries, and this will support the implementation of actions to protect our territories, keep the forest standing, and preserve biodiversity. I am very proud to be part of this effort,” she said.
In his remarks during the panel’s opening, Juan Manuel Santos emphasized the importance of protecting the Amazon biome. He recalled his time assuming the presidency of Colombia: “I was given the mandate to make peace—and also to make peace with nature,” he said.
On Sunday, November 16, MAPI was once again highlighted during a panel on Amazonian food systems, held in the AgriZone—an event parallel to COP30, organized by Embrapa.
