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Emphasizing the need for justice, recognition and action in the state of Assam, The Indegenous urged leaders at the UN COP29 to pay attention to the systematic destruction of biodiversity and marginalization of indigenous communities in the “Amazon of the East.” More than 158 tribes have called Assam home for hundreds of years, accounting for over 60 percent of India’s biodiversity spread.
“We are tired of being an asterisk. For 29 years, decisions have been made about us, and my people back home don’t even know what those decisions are. But just because we didn’t know about COP doesn’t mean we weren’t fighting on the ground,” said Bhavna Choudhury, Founder and Principal Coordinator of The Indegenous.
On Indigenous Peoples’ Gender and Equity Day at COP29, several global experts and organisations offered their solidarity in bridging the gap between global climate promises and ground realities in India’s North East.
The Indegenous highlighted three specific demands to the Government of Assam. First, the recent dismantling of land tenure rights in Assam and its impact on the life and livelihood of indigenous communities. Restoration and protection of forests and Indigenous peoples’ land rights are critical for forest conservation and sustainable development. “I'm here today to beg my government, which has used our Advocate General—who is, by the way, paid for by taxpayer money—not to systematically take down everything we believe in,” said Choudhury.
Second, the state government must reconsider environmental missteps like the proposal to transplant old trees in Guwahati’s Dighalipukhuri region, which holds a rich cultural and historical value for people. “The Government of Assam made ridiculous statements, such as transplanting 200-year-old trees by 10 meters, which is scientifically impossible,” she said. Historical trees must be recognised as heritage sites to ensure their preservation.
Third, the need to grant rights to the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in the state, highlighting the urgency of protecting biodiversity. “Infrastructure projects are killing wildlife, destroying habitats, and also the greenness of our cities,” Choudhury said. While both the Government of Assam and the Government of India have promised Indigenous peoples that biodiversity is a key part of their national adaptation plans, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Indigenous communities must be included in climate finance strategies, leveraging their expertise to harness “green gold” for biodiversity and economic resilience.
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Choudhury highlighted the local community's extraordinary contributions to biodiversity conservation, including reforesting entire islands without external funding, enabling the return of wildlife such as tigers, and preserving ecosystems rich in mushrooms, birds, and diverse food cultures. The disconnect between promises and actions highlights the gap between policy intentions and the devastating impact on the environment, she declared. COP 29 attendees left with an urgent challenge to elevate Indigenous voices and align global policies with ground realities to achieve equitable and sustainable climate action ahead of the next one (COP 30), which is to be held in the heart of indigenous Amazon in Belem, Brazil.
About The Indegenous
The Indegenous is a youth-driven non-profit association based in Paris, France, recognized as a public utility under the French "Loi 1901." Dedicated to promoting the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide, The Indegenous leverages advocacy, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to empower indigenous communities. Our work spans environmental education, policy engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration, ensuring that indigenous voices resonate on global platforms such as the UNFCCC. The organization is firmly aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Through partnerships and a network of young Indigenous researchers and wonderful volunteers, The Indegenous documents, protects, and disseminates Indigenous knowledge while promoting sustainable practices and social justice. Its advocacy aims to reduce inequalities and enhance Indigenous participation in the global dialogue on sustainability and human rights.