Dozens of Indigenous protesters stormed the COP30 climate summit venue in Belm, Brazil, on Tuesday clashing with security guards at the entrance as they demanded greater access to negotiations and a stronger voice in forest management.

Dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way into theCOP30climate summit venue on Tuesday and clashed with security guards at the entrance. Shouting angrily, the protesters demanded access to the UN compound where thousands of delegates from countries around the world are attending this years UN climate summit.

Security guards pushed the protesters back and used tables to barricade the entrance. A Reuters witness saw one security guard being rushed away in a wheelchair while clutching his stomach.

Another guard, with a fresh cut above his eye, told Reuters he had been hit in the head by a heavy drumstick thrown from the crowd. Security later confiscated several batons.

The protesters dispersed shortly after the clash. They had been part of a group of hundreds who marched to the venue in the Amazon city of Belm.

Security guards later allowed delegates to exit the venue, having earlier asked them to move back inside until the area was clear.

Brazils PresidentLuiz Incio Lula da Silvahas highlighted Indigenous communities at this years COP30 as key players in the negotiations. Earlier this week, dozens of Indigenous leaders arrived by boat to participate in the COP30 talks. They plan to demand more say in how forests are managed.

In a separate interview on Tuesday, a prominent Indigenous leader told Reuters that many from Indigenous communities were upset with ongoing industry and development projects in the forest. Raoni Metuktire, also known as Chief Raoni, urgedBrazilto empower native peoples to preserve the Amazon.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

Originally published on France24