Forest protection: Why Germany must continue to support indigenous peoples.

Last month, the world was confronted with terrible news about forests: Global deforestation increased by a staggering 80 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. Our forests are burning, and with them the future of our communities and our planet. The news came as indigenous peoples from all the world's tropical forest regions gathered in the Republic of Congo for their first global congress. They came together not only as communities but also as custodians of the planet's most important ecosystems.

Germany is hosting the important preparatory meeting for COP30, which is currently taking place in Bonn (SB62). Shortly before the start of SB62, the indigenous peoples of the tropical forests formulated an important message at their congress: We need Germany. We need it to reaffirm its international leadership for climate and nature and to continue its strong support for indigenous peoples.

The scientific community is aware of the importance of tropical forests. Tropical rainforests are essential for climate protection and adaptation to climate change, as well as the protection of global biodiversity. They are home to more than half of the world's biodiversity and store carbon equivalent to 1,500 years of German CO₂ emissions. The scientific community is also aware of the role that indigenous custodians play in protecting the rainforests: Where indigenous peoples have rights to territories and the means to protect them, deforestation decreases dramatically. We have seen it for ourselves: On satellite images, indigenous peoples' territories appear as bright green islands in a sea of destruction, surrounded by areas scarred by roads, industrial agriculture and mining. These forests do not protect themselves. The indigenous peoples do.

Nevertheless, the lives, rights and territories of indigenous peoples in all the world's tropical forests are under threat. In most cases, the threat is driven by big business: From large-scale agriculture and logging to extractive industries such as oil and minerals for batteries that drive the green transition. In the face of increasing deforestation and pressure on the indigenous peoples who protect the forests, COP30 must be a turning point for the world. Instead, many countries are scaling back their international climate finance, and the US is withdrawing from international climate cooperation altogether. It is disheartening to see this. Indeed, no concrete measures have yet been taken in Germany. But we are also seeing worrying signs that the new government will limit the country's international role in climate action.

Germany has long been a reliable ally of indigenous peoples in the tropical forests. For years, it has stood by indigenous peoples and supported forest conservation through concrete financial commitments. In 2021, Germany helped to secure a historic pledge to increase funding for indigenous peoples and local communities. This support has helped indigenous peoples to advance the recognition of their rights and strengthen their role as custodians of the forest.

However, the restructuring of the German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz gives little reason to believe that Germany will maintain its leading role in the fight against climate change. On the very first day, the new German government abolished the post of Special Envoy for International Climate Policy. The coalition agreement promises to make a fair contribution to international climate efforts. At the same time, it expresses its intention to cut international development aid, from which this climate financing originates. That would be a clear change of direction.

This is a moment of decision. Germany can either withdraw or reaffirm its position as a global climate leader. Now is the opportunity to show the world that solidarity and long-term vision still matter, and that forest conservation led by indigenous peoples and local communities is not a charity – it is a solution; a proven, cost-effective and equitable solution.

The indigenous peoples are not asking for a blank cheque. They are inviting a partnership. They are offering their knowledge, their commitment and their lives – once again – for the forests that sustain us all. Ahead of COP30 and as the world gathers again in Bonn, we urge Germany to renew and extend its commitment to indigenous peoples. Because if we really want to stop deforestation, this is where investment will have the greatest impact.

Kleber Karipuna is an indigenous leader of the Karipuna people from Amapá, Brazil, and Executive Coordinator of APIB, the Association of Indigenous Peoples in Brazil. Martina Schaub is Managing Director of Oro Verde. Tørris Jæger is Director of the Rainforest Foundation Norway.