Guide prepares Indigenous peoples for extreme weather events

Coiab initiative focuses on the territories’ capacity to respond to extreme scenarios, such as those exacerbated by El Niño

The Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (Coiab) has released a guide containing practical guidelines to support Indigenous communities, organizations, and associations in preparing for periods of severe drought and other climate change-related impacts. The material aims to strengthen the response capacity of Indigenous territories in the face of extreme scenarios, such as those exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon.

Presented during the 15th General Assembly of Coiab, held in the Karajá/Xambioá Indigenous Territory in Tocantins, the publication compiles recommendations for community organization before, during, and after periods of drought. The guidelines include measures to ensure access to water, store food and medicines, organize fire brigades and monitoring groups, identify highly vulnerable areas, and plan transportation and logistics strategies.

The guide also encourages each community to develop its own action plans, taking into account the characteristics and needs of its territory. Additionally, the material outlines ways to engage public institutions in situations such as water shortages, food insecurity, fires, isolation, and environmental crimes.

According to Rosibel Baré, Manager of Indigenous Territorial Monitoring at Coiab, the initiative is part of the organization’s broader strategy to strengthen climate adaptation within Indigenous territories. The aim is for the tool to also facilitate dialogue with governments and public agencies, supporting the development of climate policies that are more closely aligned with the realities of the communities.

During the assembly, around 500 copies were distributed to Indigenous leaders from the nine states of the Brazilian Amazon. For Gleissimar Kokama, a leader from the Upper Solimões region in Amazonas, the material expands the climate education work carried out by the communities and strengthens the participation of Indigenous peoples in debates and decisions regarding how to address the climate crisis.

The iCS supports COIAB initiatives focused on climate governance, indigenous territorial management, and adaptation to climate change. The launch of the guide is particularly aligned with the sectors of climate adaptation, institutional strengthening, and indigenous leadership in the climate agenda.

Photo: Kaiti Topramre