
Audio By Carbonatix
Protesters carrying signs reading "our forests are not for sale" broke through security lines of the COP30 UN climate talks on Tuesday night in Belém, Brazil.
BBC journalists saw UN security staff running behind a line of Brazilian soldiers, shouting at delegates to immediately leave the venue.
The UN told BBC News that the incident caused minor injuries to two security staff and limited damage to the venue.
Social media videos showed protesters who appeared to be from indigenous groups and others waving flags with the logo of a left-wing Brazilian youth movement called Juntos.
Protesters, some wearing what appeared to be traditional indigenous dress, stormed the COP30 entrance, chanting and kicking down doors, before tussling with security personnel, videos posted online showed.
Demonstrators crossed the first security barriers of the venue and were then prevented from getting further in, the UN told the BBC.
A security guard said he was hit in the head by a drum thrown by a protester, according to the Reuters news agency.
It is highly unusual security breach at a conference that has strict protocols.
Brazilian and UN authorities are investigating the incident, according to the UN.
Delegates from almost 200 countries are attending COP30 talks, which takes place 10 years after the Paris climate agreement, in which countries pledged to try to restrict the rise in global temperatures to 1.5C.
The talks are being held in Belém on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, which is home to dozens of indigenous groups, many of which any are vocal critics of the environmental damage caused by climate change and deforestation.
An indigenous leader from the Tupinamba community told Reuters, "we can't eat money," and that they were upset about development in the rainforest.
"We want our lands free from agribusiness, oil exploration, illegal miners and illegal loggers," he said.
The meetings this year have been dubbed "the Indigenous peoples COP", with Brazilian organisers promising to put indigenous people at the centre of the talks.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told the opening of the summit that the world must "defeat" climate denialism and fight fake news.
He added that "COP30 will be the COP of truth" in an era of "misrepresentation" and "rejection of scientific evidence".
At the opening ceremony, members of the Guajajara indigenous group, in traditional dress, performed a welcome song and dance for assembled diplomats.
Latest Stories
-
Kennedy Agyapong’s statements undermine NPP’s good name – Ahiagbah
14 minutes -
I will not rest until Bawumia becomes Ghana’s President in 2028 – Wontumi
17 minutes -
Ignore the distractions – Sammi Awuku urges Bawumia
20 minutes -
NCPTA backs GES ban on extravagant graduation ceremonies in basic schools
23 minutes -
Bibiani NPP coordinators demand resignation of Western North Regional Chairman over mass disqualification
26 minutes -
UTAG gives government June 30 deadline to resolve welfare issues or face strike
30 minutes -
Ghana’s non-traditional exports exceed $5bn mark
35 minutes -
Stanbic Bank rewards FIFA World Cup winners and launches new Visa local card usage initiative
37 minutes -
Handicrafts sector records 500% growth in exports – GEPA
41 minutes -
Emirates expands operations in Ghana with additional weekly flights
42 minutes -
Fire destroys six apartments, leaves 15 homeless at Aboabo
45 minutes -
Afenyo-Markin urges NPP unity, accuses NDC of failing Ghanaians
48 minutes -
Alleged fugitive car snatcher arrested, colleagues gunned down
51 minutes -
Police clamp down on siren abuse, arrest 19
55 minutes -
Man found dead at TMA forecourt, investigation underway
58 minutes