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Sacred Lands Indigenous Peoples Declaration at UNCCD COP16: A Global call for rights and land restoration

Indigenous Peoples unite at UNCCD COP16 to call for the recognition of their rights in land restoration and environmental policies. Read the Declaration.

On December 7, 2024, during the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Indigenous Peoples from across the globe came together to present the “Sacred Lands Indigenous Peoples Declaration.” This historic moment highlights the urgent need to recognize and uphold the rights of Indigenous communities in land restoration and environmental stewardship.  

With decades of expertise in managing lands and territories, Indigenous Peoples continue to play a pivotal role in the fight against desertification, land degradation, and environmental crises. This declaration serves as a powerful call for global leaders and policymakers to respect, recognize, and support Indigenous rights in all land-related decisions and actions. 

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is proud to have supported this historic achievement. 

Below is the full text of the declaration, outlining key calls to action for governments, policymakers, and the international community. 

SACRED LANDS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DECLARATION 

AT THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION 

COP16, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA 

It has been thirty-one years since the 1992 United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development that led to the creation of the sister conventions: the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), and the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). These conventions were meant to address the issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification, drought, and land degradation, but we are not any nearer to the resolution of these problems. We continue to experience the crises brought about by over-consumption and disregard for nature.  

Here at UNCCD COP16, we acknowledge the support of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UNCCD Secretariat in bringing together—for the first time—Indigenous Peoples’ representatives from Africa; the Arctic; Asia; Central and South America and the Caribbean; Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia; North America; and the Pacific. 

RESPECT, RECOGNIZE, PROMOTE AND PROTECT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS IN THE UNCCD POLICIES AND ACTIONS 

We call on Parties to ensure an approach that embraces human rights and Indigenous Peoples’ rights in all policies and actions related to land restoration and resilience building. We call on Parties to respect, recognize, promote, and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, based on the fundamental right to self-determination, provided for in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and its General Recommendation 23. Indigenous Peoples’ lands and territorial rights, tenure systems, and governance need to be recognized and upheld. Indigenous Peoples’ abilities to manage their lands and territories should be maintained and enhanced in all UNCCD policies and actions, including recognition and support for Indigenous Peoples’ collective actions and efforts related to the restoration of degraded lands and conservation of our lands and territories.  

ENSURE FULL AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, INCLUDING WOMEN AND YOUTH, IN LAND-RELATED PROCESSES AND PROGRAMS AT THE LOCAL, NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS 

Indigenous Peoples’ lands and territories are on the frontline of environmental crises, including land desertification, drought and degradation. The full engagement of Indigenous Peoples is critical to the success of the UNCCD. We urge Parties to establish an Indigenous Peoples Caucus within the UNCCD at COP16, as rightsholders, distinct from the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). In keeping with established norms within the United Nations, the creation of a distinct caucus will create a meaningful space to exchange knowledge amongst ourselves and enable us to more effectively advise the UNCCD. This will bring the UNCCD in line with other UN fora, including the sister conventions, the General Assembly resolution 71/321, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  

RECOGNIZE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO LAND RESTORATION, STEWARDSHIP, AND TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOODS 

There is no doubt that Indigenous Peoples have unique knowledge systems and livelihoods arising from our ancestral connections and close ties with our lands and territories. This knowledge is a valuable source of feasible solutions that can contribute to the effective implementation of the UNCCD. We call for the equitable and ethical inclusion of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, science and technologies, values, practices, and innovations in the decisions of the UNCCD COP16. We urge Parties to provide a permanent seat for Indigenous Peoples on the Committee on Science and Technology. 

ENSURE DIRECT ACCESS TO FINANCES FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES FROM ALL SEVEN SOCIO-CULTURAL REGIONS  

We stress the need to directly fund the self-determined actions of Indigenous Peoples with regards to protecting and restoring lands and territories. We advocate for the inclusion of the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision making about the UNCCD funds and financial mechanisms and provide for direct access to resources without relying on intermediaries. The funding mechanisms should be equitable, non-discriminatory, accessible, flexible, and responsive to priorities across all socio-cultural regions without political impediments. We urge Parties to support our request for the representation of Indigenous Peoples as active observers on the Riyadh Action Agenda and Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership Fund. We encourage the UNCCD to create a dedicated fund for Indigenous Peoples’ initiatives on land restoration, conservation, and desertification and drought resilience. 

We offer our strong appreciation to the COP Presidency and Secretariat for their commitment to Indigenous Caucus members. We call on other Parties and upcoming COP President to also extend their support in forthcoming meetings. We remain committed to working with the Parties as full partners and trust our contributions bring benefit for all. We remind everyone that, without the full recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and to the matters set out in this Declaration, the goals of the Convention will ultimately not be achieved. Therefore, we count on you to uphold our rights. 

Shukran! Thank you! Merci! Gracias! Спасибо! 谢谢 (Xièxie)! 

In a few of our Indigenous languages: Ousseko! Mingetti! Ondjarama! Miigwetch! Wophila Tanka! Kurang! Ikatu Nekopoe! Hahom! Soro Nyo Wogh! Matiox! Doggus Nued! Nga Mihi Nui! Ashe Naleng! Kotoluadan! Salamat! Tyoox Tii! Khop Khun kha! Sepas! Saqol! Morȋ pe! Molyii! Tat fa kup! Maketai! Spasibo! Jaaн byiyan! Eyde polzyyn! Nugen! Min yetti! Alatsüking!

 

Conclusion: 

The “Sacred Lands Indigenous Peoples Declaration” is a crucial reminder that the future of our planet depends on Indigenous leadership and knowledge. With 31 years having passed since the creation of the UNCCD and its sister conventions, the need for meaningful change has never been more urgent.  

The declaration calls for the recognition of Indigenous rights, full participation in decision-making processes, and direct access to financial resources for land restoration and resilience efforts. As we move forward, we must center Indigenous solutions in the global fight against desertification and climate change—together, we can ensure a sustainable future for all. 

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Highlighting Indigenous voices at COP29

FSC Indigenous Foundation leads dialogue at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), hosted in Azerbaijan in Baku from November 11-22, 2024, brought significant focus on the inclusion and integration of Indigenous knowledge into climate strategies. With the theme In Solidarity for a Green World, COP29 underscored the need for a transparent and collaborative approach to achieving climate goals.

Integrating Indigenous leadership: The Baku Workplan

At COP29, the adoption of the Baku Workplan. marked a significant advancement in elevating the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in climate action. The Workplan, developed through consensus, outlines key actions to promote knowledge exchange, build capacity, and integrate diverse values and knowledge systems into climate policies. It includes strategies such as regional engagement, collaboration with UNFCCC bodies, and creating roundtables for cross-generational dialogue. Additionally, by renewing the mandate of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP), COP29 also addressed barriers such as language accessibility and continuity in membership transitions, creating a pathway for inclusive and sustainable climate action.

Highlighting Indigenous contributions and challenges

One key moment of the conference was the side event titled “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Driving Participation in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for Climate Action,” held at the Indigenous Peoples Pavilion on November 13.

The panel, led by key figures from the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), IPACC, and REPALEAC, explored the pressing need for recognizing and including Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the climate action process, specifically through NDCs. Speakers included Salina Sanou (FSC-IF), Kanyinke Sena (IPACC), Balkisou Buba (REPALEAC), Samante Anne (FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee), and Mohamed Handaine (IPACC North Africa), who shared valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities.

Salina Sanou noted that a recent study of NDCs across eight countries in Africa revealed that “Indigenous Peoples are not recognized in NDCs, which highlights a major gap in inclusive climate frameworks.” This oversight undermines the effectiveness of climate strategies and prevents the incorporation of Indigenous Peoples’ unique knowledge systems. 

Samante Anne added, “NDCs are typically government-driven. This presents a challenge, especially when the process is rushed and external consultants, who do not understand the African context, are hired to lead it. This exclusion persists despite the $1.2 billion that was allocated for climate mitigation in tropical forests at COP26.”

Kanyinke Sena pointed out that “only 22% of global NDCs mention Indigenous Peoples.” He emphasized the additional challenge that few African countries, such as Mauritania, South Sudan, Eritrea, Eswatini, and Namibia, incorporate Indigenous Peoples and traditional knowledge into their NDCs. He also shared that NDCs are categorized by country and often fail to integrate the cross-border perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. “Citizens need to read their NDCs to understand the gaps and advocate for inclusion,” he stressed.

The case for Indigenous knowledge and representation

Balkisou Buba highlighted that the lives of many Indigenous communities, including hers, are closely tied to livestock and traditional land practices, underscoring the need for NDCs that value and integrate Indigenous knowledge. She advocated for meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making, moving beyond symbolic “tick-box” roles. 

“As a way forward, there is the need to empower Indigenous Peoples to be part of meaningful consultations towards the NDCs development. Indigenous Peoples should not be flowers in the discussion but assets,” she said.

Mohamed Handaine added that cutting Indigenous languages equates to severing the roots of Indigenous knowledge, emphasizing the need for adaptation policies that are language-inclusive.

A packed room for our side event

A Path Forward: Actions and Recommendations

The event concluded with powerful calls to action:

  • Ensure Indigenous participation: Balkisou Buba and Samante Anne stressed the need to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are involved in every stage of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) consultations. Their participation is crucial for meaningful contributions to climate policy development.
  • Strengthen local and regional representation: Kanyinke Sena advocated for increasing Indigenous representation at regional forums such as SADC, ECOWAS, and the African Union, emphasizing the need for broader engagement in various sectors
  • Secure funding and capacity building: The speakers highlighted that African countries can fund only a small portion of their NDCs and must rely on external support. Kanyinke urged African nations to focus on research and fundraising for Indigenous-led climate initiatives.
  • Acknowledge rights holders: The panel emphasized that Indigenous Peoples should be recognized as rights holders rather than stakeholders. Samante Anne underlined the importance of ongoing dialogue to promote traditional knowledge and responsible business practices in NDCs.

Other highlights: financial commitments at COP29

COP29 in Baku marked significant progress in addressing the financial challenges of climate action, setting a long-term financial target of mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. This includes a foundational $300 billion annually to support vulnerable nations in enhancing resilience, expanding energy access, and fostering sustainable development. However, \ reliance on mixed public-private funding and voluntary contributions from developing nations has drawn criticism. The “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T,” led by the COP Presidencies, will guide progress toward these ambitious financial goals.

Indigenous leaders call attention to climate change impacts and solutions at COP29

At COP29, Indigenous leaders from around the world shared harrowing accounts of climate change’s devastating effects on their communities, from catastrophic floods to rising seas. Yet, amid these challenges, they also brought solutions, showcasing their traditional ecological knowledge and vital role in combating global warming. Their voices underscore the urgent need for inclusive climate policies that address the disproportionate impacts they face while leveraging their centuries-old practices for sustainable land management and resilience.

During COP29, Ms. Hindou Oumarou, a member of the Fulani Mbororo People of Chad, Chair of the FSC Indigenous Foundation Council, and an environmental and Indigenous Peoples activist, highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on her community. 

“Right now, we are experiencing the biggest floods we have ever had. Two million people have been displaced, and thousands are dead,” she shared, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. Her testimony echoes the experiences of many Indigenous communities worldwide, who bear the brunt of extreme weather events while playing a crucial role in climate resilience and land stewardship.

Conclusion

COP29 highlighted the urgent need to integrate Indigenous knowledge into climate action. Recommendations such as establishing localized climate funds, adapting policies to Indigenous needs, and strengthening collaboration with Indigenous communities mark important steps toward a more inclusive future.

The progress made at COP29 sets the stage for further action. By continuing to elevate Indigenous perspectives, we can shape a greener, more resilient future for all.

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The FSC Indigenous Foundation is at COP16

Let's learn how to live in peace with nature from the world's best biodiversity stewards.

For Indigenous Peoples, Mother Earth is not only the place where we live, it is the sacred space in which we manifest spiritual connections with all living things. Rooted in ancestral cosmovision, we view the natural environment as an integral being that sustains life and the harmony of ecosystems. This is biodiversity. This is living in peace with nature. 

Joining global biodiversity discussions

From October 21 to November 1, 2024, the vibrant city of Cali, Colombia, will host the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Under the slogan “Peace with Nature,” this historic event calls for a renewed commitment to the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity and the sustainable use of its resources.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) will participate in COP16 to amplify the global voices of Indigenous Peoples and advocate for their crucial role in biodiversity conservation. 

At COP16, we aim to:

  • Collaborate: Engage with diverse stakeholders to build a comprehensive biodiversity agenda that values, recognizes and incorporates Indigenous knowledge
  • Network: Identify funding opportunities and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs), governments, and other key stakeholders
  • Influence: Highlight the vital importance of Indigenous knowledge in biodiversity stewardship, particularly under Article 8J of the CBD.

Why Indigenous knowledge matters

Indigenous Peoples are among the world’s most effective stewards of biodiversity, especially where their rights and recognized and supported. As biodiversity declines, so too does cultural and linguistic diversity. Protecting both is critical for our planet’s future. Promoting Indigenous rights and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and their valuable knowledge in biodiversity management and decision-making is essential for a successful global biodiversity framework.

Let’s learn how to live in peace with nature from the world’s best biodiversity stewards.

Biodiversity work in action

Explore FSC-IF impactful projects that illustrate our commitment to preserving biodiversity through Indigenous knowledge and solutions:

  • Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models: Collaborating with the IDB Lab and Health in Harmony in an innovative project to connect Indigenous Peoples with economic opportunities that align with their cultural values and biodiversity conservation efforts by collaboratively designing a market seal.
  • Indigenous Peoples and water: Integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into sustainable models of transboundary watershed management.

FSC-IF numbers of impact

See more numbers of impact for Indigenous Peoples, biodiversity, and forests, and read the stories behind the numbers here.

Our delegation at COP16

Indigenous leaders and our partners

Aulina Ismare Opua, Cacica Wounaan General Congress.

Wounaan People, Panama.

Daniel Kobei, Executive Director, Ogiek Peoples Development Program (OPDP)

Ogiek People, Kenya.

Juan Carlos Jintiach, Executive Secretary, Global Alliance for Territorial Communities (GATC)

Shuar People, Ecuador.

Mala Mareachealee, Deputy Director, Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC)

Nadia Gómez, FSC-IF Indigenous Advisor, and FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) representative from South America

Warpe People, Argentina.

Norlando Meza, TV Indígena

Guna People, Panama.

Sara Madriz Martinez, Mesoamerican Alliance for Peoples and Forests (AMPB)

Cabécar People, Costa Rica.

Yoselin Yissel Casama Martínez, Association of Women Artisans of Ipeti Embera (AMARIE),

Emberá People, Panama

Get involved, make a difference

We are leading global efforts towards long-term and resilient Indigenous-led solutions. With Indigenous Peoples, we can conserve and restore biodiversity for everyone’s survival.

The FSC-IF seeks partnerships with governments, multilateral institutions, and the private sector to achieve visionary goals by leveraging the power of your resources, your expertise, and your innovative tools. Let’s work together to elevate Indigenous solutions for biodiversity stewardship and shape policies that respect and incorporate traditional knowledge.

Follow our journey: Check out our website and social media for updates, video interviews with our delegation, and our objectives at COP 16.

Connect with us: If you would like to meet us during COP16 to discuss how we can build sustainable solutions together, write to us at fsc.if@fsc.org 

Together, we can ensure that the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples is recognized and integrated into the global biodiversity agenda.

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It’s time for Indigenous solutions

Join us at Climate Week New York to connect with the value of Indigenous knowledge and territories

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is happy to announce its participation in Climate Week New York. As a leading global advocate for Indigenous-led climate solutions, the Foundation will join key organizations and global leaders in addressing critical environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.

Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge offers vital solutions to the climate crisis. They manage over 25% of the global landmass, making the future of Indigenous territories key to global sustainability. The FSC-IF seeks to integrate Indigenous knowledge into climate strategies and supports Indigenous leaders, for the future of our planet and for us all. Catch us at our side events listed below, or reach out to organize a meeting. 

It’s time to lead with Indigenous solutions and make a meaningful impact. Join us in driving positive change.

Supporting Indigenous Self-Determination, Self-Reliance, and Self-Governance in Nature-based Solutions

Date and time: Monday, September 23rd, 2024, 10:30 – 11:30

Location: Nature Positive Hub, Convene, 101 Park Ave, New York. Room: Chrysler Forum

Description: Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront of land protection. Although they comprise less than 6% of the world’s population, their collective territories are close to 25% of the land base and contain 80% of the world’s remaining terrestrial biodiversity. However, Indigenous Peoples face countless challenges that limit their capacity to strengthen their livelihood practices and secure rights and self-determination within their territories. The moderated panel will highlight the necessity of Indigenous-led climate solutions and barriers to achieving a healthier planet.

This event will illustrate the reciprocal relationship Indigenous Peoples have with Mother Earth, demonstrating the role of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent in rights-based approaches, and discussing partnerships between businesses and Indigenous organizations to support self-determination. It is hosted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification system, and the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), a global Indigenous-led organization working to elevate Indigenous Peoples in their contribution to the protection of Mother Earth and recognize them as providers of solutions and partners to fight against global challenges. 

Panelists:  

Hindou Omarou Ibrahim Chair of FSC Indigenous Foundation Council and Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Moderator: Satnam Manhas, R.P.F., Senior Manager, Indigenous Capacity Support Canada, FSC Indigenous Foundation 

Erica Fensom, DocuSign, Vice President, Corporate Affairs 

Sergio Guzman, manager of the community forest Guatecarbon REDD+ project, in Guatemala 

Join us to learn how you can support Indigenous nature-based solutions.

Register here

Our People, Our Future: From Commitment to Actions

Date and time: September 26, 2024, 9:30 – 11:30 am

Location:  Studio 3, 873 Broadway, #401,  New York, N.Y 10010

Description: This event, hosted by the FSC Indigenous Foundation and Health in Harmony will connect Indigenous Peoples with business and philanthropy, offering an opportunity to engage and scale social, environmental, and economic impact when working together. It will provide the opportunity to:

  • Discover solutions: Learn about Indigenous approaches to climate change, land degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
  • Contribute resources: Find actionable ways to contribute your resources and expertise towards impactful projects, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Indigenous Peoples are key to addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Through collaboration, we can make a significant impact in these areas.  
  • Build partnerships: Network to form strategic alliances for sustainability.  
  • Boost business value: Discover how integrating ecosystem services can enhance sustainability, including biodiversity, carbon markets, and beyond.
  • Verify impact: Learn methods for impact verification to ensure your contributions are making a measurable difference.

Panelists:

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair of FSC Indigenous Foundation Council and President of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Jerome Foster II, Climate Activist

Solange Bandiaky-Badji, President and Coordinator, Rights and Resources Initiative

Rachel Markham, Principal, Patchwork Collective

Ashley Emerson, Co-CEO Business and Scale, Health in Harmony 

Moderator: Satnam Manhas, Senior Manager, Indigenous Capacity Support Canada, FSC Indigenous Foundation 

Join us in this transformative journey to drive positive change and sustainability.  

Register here

Connect with us

The FSC-IF is leading global efforts toward resilient Indigenous-led solutions, but we cannot do it alone. We call on partners to help us achieve visionary goals by leveraging the power of your resources, expertise, and innovation. If you would like to meet us during Climate Week to discuss how we can build sustainable solutions together, write to us at fsc.if@fsc.org.

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