Helena Gualinga

Helena Gualinga, an Indigenous climate advocate from Sarayaku, Ecuador, dives into the struggles for representation at COP30. She highlights the protests that breached the Blue Zone, exposing the disconnect between visibility and real influence for Indigenous voices. Helena discusses challenges like restricted access to negotiations and fears of tokenism while advocating for land rights and proper consultation practices. Additionally, she emphasizes the necessity of Indigenous leadership in climate discussions to ensure effective stewardship of the planet.