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Indigenous Peoples have long advocated for the environment through the lens of their traditional knowledge systems and cultures. But much more work is needed to translate their presence into influence.

A new report from Nia Tero examines the factors that have limited Indigenous Peoples’ influence in global environmental decision-making.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Indigenous activist Juma Xipaia, featured in the film “Yanuni,” recounts her fight to protect the Amazon rainforest and Indigenous communities from deforestation, illegal gold mining, and other threats. Co-produced by Nia Tero, "Yanuni" follows Xipaia’s rise from a remote village in Xipaya territory to the frontlines of climate justice, underscoring her leadership in defending both her people and the Brazilian Amazon.

In this article, Nia Tero CEO ‘Aulani Wilhelm shares her journey from Kamehameha Schools in Hawai’i to leading the establishment and protection of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and advancing Indigenous Peoples' guardianship worldwide. Wilhelm’s work centers on caring for people and place across generations — efforts that earned her a spot on the 2025 TIME100 Climate List. Grounded in the wisdom of her ancestors, she leads Nia Tero’s mission to directly support Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship and elevate the role and influence of Indigenous Peoples as essential to ensuring planetary health and habitability.

Nia Tero released its multimedia 2025 Annual Report. The report’s theme, A Year of Braiding, explores how Nia Tero's work connects people, places, and policy to strengthen and expand Indigenous Peoples' guardianship globally.

The new multimedia digital format combines illustrative maps, video highlights, and visual storytelling, enabling readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of Nia Tero's global impact.

Fragmentation and barriers to Indigenous Peoples' access to decision making reduce the effectiveness of U.N. conventions on climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, but can be addressed through action by nation-states, funders, and others.

Announced by the Brazilian government during COP30, the decision to complete the process of final recognition of four Indigenous territories in Brazil will provide greater environmental protection and self-determination for the original peoples of the following areas: Kaxuyana-Tunayana, Uirapuru, Manoki, and Estação Parecis Indigenous lands. The most extensive of these by far is the Kaxuyana-Tunayana land demarcation, spanning over 2.1 million hectares.