An Indigenous Voice at a Global Event
Imagine standing in front of some of the world’s most powerful business leaders and telling them they need to do better. That’s exactly what Telma Taurepang, an Indigenous leader from the Amazon and an Amazon Conservation Team – Brasil assembly member, did in London at the Terra Carta Roundtables & Exhibition this March.
The event, organized by King Charles III as part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, brought together CEOs and world leaders to discuss how businesses can help create a more sustainable future. Telma, the coordinator of the Union of Indigenous Women of the Brazilian Amazon (UMIAB), was there to make sure Indigenous voices were heard.
As a prologue to her speech, Telma sang a traditional chant from her people. Her song carried a message:
“There is a great spirit that, with its wings, sweeps away the harms to our Mother Earth. We must move forward without looking back and listen to our Mother’s call to protect our land.”
Her words reminded the audience that Indigenous communities have been caring for the Amazon for generations—and that their knowledge is essential in the fight against climate change and deforestation.
Why Indigenous Land Rights Matter
Telma was part of a roundtable discussion called “Indigenous Perspectives,” moderated by Chief Perry Bellegarde, a Canadian Indigenous leader. Other panelists included Marcelo de Andrade, from the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT), and Sandra Charity, the president of ACT-Brasil.
Their discussion focused on one affirmation: the private sector cannot invest in the Amazon without first recognizing the land rights of Indigenous communities.
“The private sector cannot invest in areas where the rightful landowners—we, the Indigenous peoples—have not been recognized,” Telma explained.
Her point was clear: businesses must respect Indigenous land rights before making decisions that affect their land. This is part of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which says that Indigenous communities must give Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before any business activity takes place on their lands.
The Role of Indigenous Women in Protecting the Amazon
Telma is from the Araçá Indigenous Land in Roraima, Brazil, where the Taurepang people live. She has spent her life fighting for Indigenous rights, especially for women.
She was the first woman to lead the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR) and co-founded the National Coordinating Body of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestry (ANMIGA).
At the event in London, she highlighted how activities like mining, deforestation, and large-scale farming are not only destroying the Amazon but also harming Indigenous women and girls.
“Climate change makes life even harder for Indigenous women. It increases violence, makes it harder to get food and clean water, and limits access to education and healthcare.”
Through UMIAB, ACT-Brasil is working with Indigenous women to create a program called “Political Training, Rights, and Protection for Indigenous Women of the Brazilian Amazon.” This initiative helps:
- Train Indigenous women in leadership and advocacy
- Protect women and girls from violence
- Ensure women’s voices are heard in political decisions
- Strengthen Indigenous land rights
Bridging the Gap Between Business and Indigenous Communities
Sandra Charity, President of ACT-Brasil, praised Telma’s participation in the event.
“Indigenous peoples are the world’s frontline defenders of biodiversity. They use traditional knowledge to protect the Amazon, and their voices must be heard in global conversations.”
The event also featured Rafael Dubeux, Brazil’s Deputy Minister for the Ecological Transformation Plan, who discussed how Brazil is working on green investments and sustainable finance ahead of COP30, the next major global climate summit.
What Businesses Can Do Next
Telma’s speech reinforced the message that businesses must take responsibility for their impact on the Amazon and its peoples.
“Companies need to think about where their materials come from, how their products affect Indigenous lands, and whether they respect our rights,” she said.
How You Can Help
Even if you’re not a business leader, you can make a difference.
🌱 Learn about the Amazon and Indigenous rights
💡 Support ethical and sustainable brands
📣 Share stories like Telma’s to spread awareness
💚 Learn more about our work 👉 www.amazonteam.org
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