Amazon ranger and mascot COP30

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This legendary figure of Tupi Guarani origin looks like a child, but with a peculiarity that makes him unique: his feet point backwards. Thanks to this feature, it is able to confuse hunters and predators in the forests who try to follow its steps and end up getting lost when going in the opposite direction.

The choice is not accidental. Brazil, which has committed to eliminating deforestation by 2030, has put forest protection at the center of discussions at the UN climate conference that will run until November 21 in the capital, Pará.

“The curubera is, above all, a wonderful, magical being and defender of the forest. Protector of the forests and the hunt,” explains Januaria Alves, author of a book on this myth, stated in a statement by the COP30 organizers.

First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva (Ganja) promoted the character by wearing T-shirts with the mascot on it at several official events leading up to the summit.

In addition to folklore, the Amazon faces real threats from invaders: illegal loggers, miners, and agricultural explorers who cut down or burn plants to expropriate land.

The Amazon rainforest, which spans nine countries, is considered vital against climate change because of its ability to absorb greenhouse gases.

During the leaders’ summit that preceded COP30 last week, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva launched the Forever Tropical Forests Fund, an unprecedented instrument that seeks to raise $125 billion (R$669 billion) to reward countries that conserve their forests.

The announcement came days after official data showed that deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 11% between August 2024 and July 2025, its lowest level in 11 years.

But not everyone applauded Kurubira’s choice.