Partnership with REPALEAC for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, economies, and forest ecosystems in Central Africa
At COP16, the FSC Indigenous Foundation and REPALEAC signed agreement to implement new activities with and for Indigenous Peoples in the Congo Basin
October 23, Cali, Colombia — We are excited to announce our agreement with the Network of Indigenous and Local Communities for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems in Central Africa (REPALEAC) to implement new initiatives with Indigenous Peoples in Central Africa. This partnership will focus on strengthening organizations, advancing Indigenous rights and economies, and promoting the sustainable management of their lands and territories.
Central Africa’s forest ecosystems are rich in biodiversity. We know that Indigenous Peoples are proven to be the best stewards of biodiversity — especially when their ancestral knowledge is recognized and their rights upheld. By enhancing the capacities of REPALEAC and its member organizations in communications, participatory land mapping, and in the implementation and monitoring of their strategic plan, they will be able to participate in decision-making processes regarding access to and sustainable management of natural resources at local, national, and international levels.
Key components of our work plan include:
Capacity sharing: Enhancing the capacities of REPALEAC and its members through participatory trainings and exchanges.
Participation: Promoting Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the design, implementation, and validation of climate policies and programs and decision-making concerning access to, and sustainable management of lands and forests.
Economic empowerment: Developing and diversifying sustainable economic activities of Indigenous Peoples, including women and youth, based on their lands, territories and natural resources, and rooted in their ancestral knowledge.
We believe that partnering with Indigenous Peoples is essential for their communities and the health of our planet, and our collaboration with REPALEAC ensures that Indigenous Peoples participate in crucial discussions and decisions on forests, biodiversity, and climate. Join us to make a lasting impact on the biodiversity of Central Africa and beyond.
Listen to Joseph Itongwa, Regional Coordinator for REPALEAC, on why data is important for Indigenous Peoples’ lands and rights. Our collaboration with REPALEAC includes collecting data on land tenure within Indigenous territories, cartography, participatory mapping, and the creation of databases to document the Indigenous Peoples’ lands in Central Africa.
The planned activities are part of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program, supported by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council, and private sector partners.
For more information, please contact:
Salina Sanou
FSC-IF Regional Director for Africa and Asia and IPARD Deputy Director