Indigenous leaders present at the Free Land Camp (Acampamento Terra Livre) demonstration in Brasília on Thursday (Apr. 9) delivered a document to representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Relations proposing the creation of zones free from oil and gas exploration in Brazil and the inclusion of indigenous territories at the center of the global climate strategy.

These fossil fuel–free zones, demonstrators say, would be areas off-limits to exploration in regions of high ecological and cultural significance.

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In general terms, the letter outlines recommendations concerning the “global roadmap” for the energy transition, which was proposed by the Brazilian government at the recent COP30 and has yet to gain consensus. “There can be no just energy transition without safeguarding our territories,” stated Dinamam Tuxá, executive coordinator of the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB), which organizes the rally.

The demarcation and protection of indigenous lands are concrete measures to address the climate crisis, he argued.

“By ignoring this, the world chooses to maintain a model that destroys life. Recognizing indigenous leadership paves the way for a more balanced, diverse, and truly sustainable future.”

Changes

The document signed by indigenous leaders and submitted to the Brazilian government aims to influence international negotiations and contribute to the creation of a new development paradigm.

“Addressing the climate crisis requires not only technological changes, but also a profound redefinition of the relationships between the economy, territory, and rights,” APIB reported.

The letter calls for an immediate end to the development of new oil, gas, and coal fields, as well as the creation of a binding global agreement for the phased elimination of fossil fuels.

“The climate crisis is already affecting food production, health, the economy, and the security of nations. The cost of inaction grows every day,” the organization points out. In the view of its representatives, it is essential that their territories be recognized as priority areas for climate protection and biodiversity conservation.

Examples

The entity argues that the initiative is in line with international examples – such as Ecuador’s decision to halt oil exploration in Yasuní National Park and restrictions adopted in other Latin American countries.

The proposal also emphasizes that a just energy transition depends on the full recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples – including the right to free, prior, and informed consultation.

Data presented in the document show that indigenous territories have significantly lower rates of deforestation and play a central role in protecting ecosystems and global climate stability.

Since last Sunday, the Free Land Camp demonstration has been bringing together indigenous people from various ethnic groups in Brasília. Organizers estimate around 8 thousand people are in attendance.

The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP), the sector’s regulator, announced Monday (Apr. 6) that the upcoming pre-salt auction will feature 23 exploration blocks.

The confirmation came through an update to the notice for the Permanent Production Sharing Offer (OPP). The auction initially included eight blocks, and on March 27, the ANP board added 15 more.

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All areas are located in the so-called Pre-Salt Polygon, off the coast of the Southeast region, with eight in the Campos Basin and 13 in the Santos Basin.

According to ANP, all exploration blocks have received a favorable environmental feasibility opinion from the competent agencies, as well as a joint statement from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

With the publication of the notice listing the 23 areas, the blocks are now eligible to receive expressions of interest from oil companies, along with the corresponding bid bonds.

Upon receiving an expression of interest from one or more registered companies for one or more blocks in the notice, ANP may set the auction date.

Permanent Offer

The Permanent Offer is the primary bidding mechanism for oil and natural gas exploration and production in Brazil. According to ANP, unlike traditional bidding rounds, this system allows for the continuous offering of exploration blocks.

Thus, over time, companies are free to study the technical data of the areas and submit bids whenever they deem most appropriate, without being bound by strict deadlines or specific bidding cycles.

“This flexibility has made the Permanent Offer an essential tool for fostering competitiveness and attracting investment in Brazil’s oil and gas sector,” the regulatory agency reiterated.

Production sharing and concession

Permanent offers can be structured as either concessions or production-sharing agreements. The production-sharing model is used in the pre-salt layer, where Brazil’s largest known oil reserves are located, as well as in other areas deemed strategic by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE), a multi-ministerial advisory body to the Brazilian government.

Under the production-sharing regime, the company or consortium that wins the auction pays a fixed signing bonus. However, it is not this bonus that determines the winner; rather, the auction is decided by the share of production surplus the operator offers to the state. Each block has a required minimum percentage.

This surplus, which must be shared with the state, can be understood as the profit from production after all costs have been covered.

In addition, the country receives taxes, royalties, and a special share in the case of high-production fields.

Under the production-sharing regime, the state’s interests are represented by the state-owned company Pré-Sal Petróleo (PPSA), headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and affiliated with the Ministry of Mines and Energy. PPSA is responsible for auctioning the oil delivered to the state by the operating companies.

In contrast, under concession contracts - used in other exploration areas - the winner is the company or consortium that offers the highest signature bonus for the right to explore for oil.