Inclusive dialogue with Indigenous Peoples and the government in Kenya
We are excited to sign an agreement with the Ogiek Peoples Development Program at COP16 to expand our collaboration with and for the Ogiek Peoples and their forests.
The Ogiek People have a deep, ancestral connection to the Mau Forest, viewing it as not just a physical space, but a vital part of their cultural identity and cosmovion. As guardians of this rich ecosystem, the Ogiek have practiced sustainable land management techniques for millenia that reflect their profound understanding of the forest’s biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge ensures the forest remains healthy and resilient.
In the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16, the FSC Indigenous Foundation signed an agreement with the Ogiek Peoples Development Program (OPDP) building on our existing project for Ogiek women’s socio-economic empowerment. We will expand our collaboration to support a dialogue between the Ogiek Peoples and government institutions regarding policies based on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Through this work, the Ogiek People will be able to sustainably manage and restore their forests while advocating for their rights and recognition of their traditional knowledge.
Read an article authored by OPDP Executive Director Daniel Kobei on how the Ogiek People are conserving medicinal forest plants for future generations.
Watch the video below to learn about the connection between the Ogiek People and biodiversity.
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.
Join us in supporting Indigenous Peoples’ rights and their invaluable connection to our forests. Together, we can support Indigenous Peoples to protect these vital landscapes for future generations.
For more information, please contact:
Salina Sanou
FSC-IF Regional Director for Africa and Asia and IPARD Deputy Director