“Our goal is to exert pressure on nations to honor their commitments and prevent any backsliding,” stated Txai Surui, a notable Indigenous leader aged 28, in a conversation with Agence France-Presse.

“It’s refreshing and offers a vibrant contrast to the often dull and clinical atmosphere inside the COP meetings,” remarked Scott.

“Here, we’re discussing agroecology, feminism, and the role of trade unions in safeguarding livelihoods and advocating for improved employment conditions,” explained Giovani Del Prete, age 33, to AFP.

The event, which organizers estimated drew a crowd of 50,000, concluded without incident as participants peacefully dispersed.

On the following Friday, Indigenous demonstrators temporarily blocked an entrance for about two hours to highlight the challenges they face in the Amazon, leading to urgent negotiations to ease the tension.

Countries found themselves at odds over trade strategies and insufficient climate goals, while a significant confrontation is anticipated regarding calls for wealthy nations to significantly increase financial support to help poorer countries adapt to climate change.

High stakes

Countries locked horns over trade measures and weak climate targets, while a showdown looms over demands that rich nations triple the finance they provide poorer states to adapt to a warming world.