Sawt Falasteen - COP30 has a mascot: the fiery-haired guardian of Brazil's forest

The mythical creature's name is believed to be a fusion of the Tupi-Guarani words curumim (boy) and pira (body).

Dressed in a loincloth made of tree leaves, the legendary being has a peculiar trait that might go unnoticed if you don't look down: his feet are turned backward.

That way, as he roams the jungle, the trickster spirit confuses poachers and intruders who might try to track him down.

Brazil's first lady, Rosangela "Janja" da Silva, often wore a T-shirt bearing the mascot's image during official events ahead of COP30, which opens Monday in Belem -- a key gateway city to the Amazon.

"Curupira is above all a fantastic, magical being -- a defender of the forest, a protector of trees and animals," said Januaria Alves, author of a book on the mythical figure, in a statement released by the UN climate conference organizers.

Beyond this age-old folklore, deeply rooted in northern Brazil, the Amazon faces real invaders -- timber traffickers, gold miners and agricultural operators who cut down trees or set them on fire to seize land.

The Amazon rainforest plays a vital role in stabilizing the planet's climate by absorbing greenhouse gases.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has placed it at the heart of what he calls the "Forest COP."

But some have mocked the mascot: Nikolas Ferreira, a right-wing lawmaker and outspoken supporter of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, took to X to ridicule the choice.

"Excellent choice to represent Brazil and our forests," he said. "He walks backward -- and catches fire."

L.AbuTayeh--SF-PST