Report: Mayara Souto / COP30 Brasil
Voice-over: Laura Frederico
Reporter: Curupira, a legendary figure from Brazilian folklore known for his fiery red hair, backward-facing feet, and body of a boy, features prominently in the visual identity of COP30. According to Januária Silva, author of Curupira and Other Fantastic Beings from Brazilian Folklore, this legendary figure from Brazilian folklore is widely recognized as a protector of forests and animals.
Januária Silva: Curupira is regarded as the guardian of the forests—the one who looks after the animals and the woods—even if he sometimes resorts to methods that are not exactly gentle," Ms. Silva noted. "But what truly matters is what he represents: this deep connection between people and nature."
Reporter: The earliest historical reference to Curupira in Brasil is from 1560 — it was recorded by Father José de Anchieta, a Jesuit priest who came to introduce Catholicism to indigenous cultures. Father Anchieta wrote poems and plays to aid his mission, including one text in which he described how Indigenous peoples greatly feared Curupira and offered gifts to avoid his attacks.
Speaking from Belém, Pará—the host city for the upcoming summit—Dr. Paulo Maués, author of Tales of Curupira, says the legend remains very much alive in the daily lives of peoples of the Amazônia.
Paulo Maués: “Among all characters considered protectors of nature, Curupira is the most important,” Dr. Maués stated. “People in the Amazônia have a unique relationship with him. He’s a figure who may help a hunter, but he can also punish that same person if they enter the forest to harm the fauna or flora.”
Reporter: The selection of Curupira reflects the steadfast commitment of the Brazilian COP30 Presidency to protecting forests. In his letter to the international community, André Corrêa do Lago, the president of COP30, stressed that forests will be a central issue at the world’s largest environmental summit.