At COP30, Global South countries join the call for exclusion zones for extractivism as a strategy to transition away from fossil fuels

Belém, Brazil – At COP30, experts from Global South countries have reinforced the call for the establishment of exclusion zones for extractivism as a strategy to transition away from fossil fuels. This follows the Colombian government’s announcement that it is committing to transform the Amazon into a zone free from large-scale mining and fossil fuels.  

Amazonian Indigenous Peoples have been at the forefront of the call for the creation of fossil fuel-free priority zones to protect ecosystems critical to life on Earth, such as the Amazon rainforest. Now it is gaining momentum, as countries in Africa and Asia-Pacific region, which also share the history of irreversible impacts from the extractivist model, are joining in the demand for binding commitments to urgently advance just energy transition.

Panellists of the press conference offered the following quotes:

Cacique Jonas Mura, representative of the Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB/APIRA):

“For us, Indigenous Peoples, it is crucial that the Amazon be declared an exclusion zone for extractivism, as this would help preserve our culture, our communities, the environment, and ensure resources for our people. If we fail to take this step, we will soon lose our territories and waters. It is a commitment that can safeguard both our land and our way of life — it is our future.”

Dr. Sivendra Michael, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change; international specialist in adaptation and climate finance:

“As a small island state, Fiji knows what is at stake. We contribute the least to the climate crisis yet bear its heaviest burdens, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events. Fiji remains a strong supporter of the Fossil Fuel Treaty. We also call on the recognition of the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion that has provided further moral and legal guidance that must strengthen global accountability. A just transition requires a decisive shift away from fossil fuels and genuine collaboration between governments, the private sector, and communities. Let that be heard at COP30.”

Bishop Léonard Ndjadi Ndjate, Auxiliary Bishop of Kisangani and prominent voice on social and ecological justice in the DRC:

“The Church must be a moral compass in this moment — guiding the world towards a global pact for life rooted in justice, compassion, and protection of sacred ecological zones. We must declare clearly that opening new oil and gas fields — especially in ecologically sensitive zones such as the Congo Basin — is incompatible with caring for God’s creation. The Church calls on leaders to adopt oil and gas exclusion zones as a concrete step. These zones must be supported by real finance from developed countries, because justice demands that those who caused the crisis carry their fair share.”

Scientists and experts from civil society offered the following quotes:

Dr. Paulo Artaxo, Brazilian climatologist and senior INPE researcher, leading expert on the Amazon and global climate dynamics:

“It is crucial that at this COP, we establish a clear roadmap to eliminate the exploitation and use of fossil fuels as quickly as possible. Critical ecosystems, such as the Amazon, which play a vital role as carbon sinks, are increasingly becoming sources of carbon for the atmosphere due to global warming and reduced rainfall. This is a major risk that we must avoid at all costs.”

Gisela Hurtado, senior Amazonia campaigner at Stand.earth:

“Across the Amazon Basin, Indigenous Peoples have consistently affirmed that areas of particular importance for biodiversity – such as Indigenous territories, especially of those living in voluntary isolation and initial contact – must be protected through legally recognized exclusion zones for extractive activities. This would ensure that the Amazon remains alive and that the rights and safety of Indigenous Peoples are fully respected.”

Kjell Kühne, LINGO director:

“In case you missed it: the fossil endgame has already started. Declaring areas off limits for fossil extraction is part of that game.”

Laura Restrepo Alameda, CANLA:

“COP30 cannot be limited to statements of goodwill: it must signal the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.”

Thomas Houlie, energy analyst at Climate Analytics:

“There is still room for transformative climate action in line with the Paris Agreement, and that requires initiating a just and fair fossil fuel phase-out. And we need to see that happen here in Belém.”

Laura María Montaño, regional coordinator for LAC at Resource Justice Network:

“Fossil fuel-dependent countries need clear, coordinated, and ambitious roadmaps to phase out fossil fuels. Colombia’s declaration, and Brazil’s initial steps in developing TAFF roadmaps, must be paired with bold alternatives for economic prosperity and diversification.” 

Additional quotes can be found here.

###

Notes to the editors

• List of spokespeople from Latin American and the Caribbean civil society organizations available for interviews in Belém – here
• GGON LAC WhatsApp group for live regional updates throughout COP30 – join here
• Pantropical oil & gas: oil and gas overlap with tropical moist forest cover. Maps and analyses by Earth Insight, based on Closing Window (2024) – here
• Research report Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon. Navigating risks, economics, and pathways to a sustainable future – here

Press contacts 

Lays Ushirobira (Stand.earth) – lays.ushirobira@stand.earth / +34 685 20 05 91
Danae Tzicas (GGON, available in Belém) – danae@ggon.org  / +54 9 11 3380 2441