Public Consultation Open: FSC Draft Advice Note for Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation in Peru
FSC launches the public consultation on the draft Advice Note for Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and in Initial Contact (IPVIIC) in Peru.
FSC IF
Public consultations are a key tool used by the FSC to ensure that forest certification processes and requirements are transparent, inclusive, and respectful of the rights of indigenous peoples and other social actors. Through these consultations, all interested parties are invited to contribute their knowledge and experiences, thereby strengthening decisions and ensuring that solutions respond to local realities and international standards of respect and sustainability.
This press release reiterates the information from the FSC regarding the start of the public consultation, which we present below.
Consultations and Surveys
FSC launches the public consultation on the draft Advice Note for Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and in Initial Contact (IPVIIC) in Peru. The consultation seeks feedback on specific questions related to the draft and is open to all interested stakeholders.
A public consultation is FSC’s process of inviting stakeholders and the public to review and comment on proposed changes to its requirements, ensuring transparency and inclusive input.
Consultation period
12 September – 12 October 2025
To participate in the public consultation, please register through these links:
The draft Advice Note will apply to any person or entity applying for or holding FSC Forest Management certification in Peru when operating in or near areas connected to IPVIIC. Its purpose is to provide direction for certification in situations where the current Peruvian Forest Stewardship Standard does not offer sufficient guidance. The note responds to concerns such as the lack of specificity in the national standard, insufficient attention to international conventions such as ILO C169, and ongoing conflicts in areas where certified concessions overlap with traditional IPVIIC territories, which were identified in the investigation commissioned to ASI.
The Advice Note defines requirements for management units under different scenarios in affected areas, ensuring stronger safeguards for IPVIIC.
Stakeholder webinar
To support effective participation in this consultation, FSC will host an informational webinar on 24 September. The session will provide an overview of the background to this work and highlight the main proposed requirements in the draft advice note.
We encourage all interested stakeholders to take part in the consultation and webinar. Your feedback and engagement are essential in helping to ensure this advice note is practical, effective, and respectful of Indigenous rights.
For more information and to download our report on Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation in Peru, please visit this page.
You can find the original FSC statement on their website, here.
FSC Remedy Forum in Jakarta: Reflections on sacred balance between Forests and People
The FSC System Integrity Unit convened the Asia Pacific Remedy Forum in Jakarta, uniting diverse stakeholders to advance understanding of the FSC Remedy Framework.
FSC IF
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – System Integrity Unit hosted the Asia Pacific Remedy Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, bringing together rights holders, Indigenous leaders, NGOs, companies, researchers, and government representatives to deepen understanding and engagement around the FSC Remedy Framework.
What is the FSC Remedy Framework?
The FSC Remedy Framework is a standardized system that guides how companies must address past environmental and social harms linked to forest conversion.
It promotes restoration through social and environmental remedy, ensures transparency in how FSC deals with non-conforming companies, and provides fair roadmaps for remedy. Its ultimate goal is to restore forests and communities, improve the integrity of the FSC certification scheme, and establish measurable conditions for potentially ending disassociation and rebuilding trust.
A New Chapter for Remedy
Since its entry into force on July 1, 2023, the FSC Remedy Framework has aimed to address social and environmental harms resulting from forestry operations. Indonesia, as the pilot setting for implementation, provided a vital case study on opportunities and challenges. The Jakarta forum served not only as a platform for consultation but also as a space for healing, dialogue, and reconciliation; highlighting the positive potential of remedy to restore forest ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and provide redress for affected communities.
Voices from the Forum
Representing the FSC Indigenous Foundation, Nicholas Mujah (FSC-IF Council Member), Praful Lakra (FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee PIPC Co-chair, Asia region), Minnie Degawan (FSC-IF Managing Director), and Dian Intarini (Indigenous Peoples Global Manager for Forestry and Certification) actively participated in the Jakarta Remedy Forum, bringing diverse perspectives from leadership, governance, and community engagement.
During the forum, attendees expressed that if rights are misunderstood, overlooked, or only superficially acknowledged, remedies risk becoming merely symbolic and may reproduce harm rather than repair it. Nicholas underscored this point, reminding participants how critical it is to understand right holders’ rights within the Forest Stewardship system.
Furthermore, Praful shared insights from his region, India, stressing the need to integrate Indigenous knowledge into the process and drawing lessons from the remedy of mining there. As Co-Chair of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC), Praful’s participation carried particular significance. Together with Marchus Colchester (FSC Board of directors and PIPC Liaison), who also engaged in the forum, their presence highlighted the importance of ensuring Indigenous perspectives are consistently heard in FSC processes. Having PIPC represented at the event created a valuable space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and reflection that can help strengthen decision-making at the global level.
From left to right: Praful Lakra (PIPC Co-chair, Asia region), Marchus Colchester (FSC BoD), Nicholas Mujah (FSC-IF Council member), Dian Intarini (Indigenous Peoples Global Manager for Forestry and Certification) From left to right: Isnadi from Riau, Kuspawansyah from East Kalimantan, Nicholas Mujah (FSC-IF Council member) and Minnie Degawan (FSC-IF Managing Director)
Moreover, Minnie reminded participants that for Indigenous Peoples, remedy is not a checklist of consultations or activities, but about restoring balance and safeguarding relationships: with the land, communities, and the unseen.
“Forests are our relatives,” she said. “They are the resting places of our ancestors, where we bury our children’s umbilical cords to connect them to Mother Earth. To sustain the forest is to sustain the Earth and the community. Remedy, for us, means restoring that sacred balance.”
Minnie stressed the need for clearer communication on what the Remedy Framework is, and what it is not. She emphasized that without this clarity, communities risk false expectations and further harm.
At the heart of her message was the call to reframe Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as a process of relationship-building rather than a procedural step, reminding participants that consent is rooted in trust, equity, and mutual understanding.
Finally, Dian Intarini suggested that remedy actions should be aligned with national policies on community empowerment and land rights, for example Indonesia’s Village Law, to support the long-term sustainability of these actions.
Key Observations
Over three days, the agenda moved from exploring solutions for accelerating remedies, to presentations on social and cultural healing in unresolved conflicts, to a closed meeting with rights holders reflecting on their concerns and expectations.
The forum succeeded in fostering open, constructive dialogue, though it also revealed a disconnect in how stakeholders understood the framework and highlighted tensions between Indigenous Peoples and migrant/transmigrant communities that require sensitive approaches. Amid these dynamics, the FSC Indigenous Foundation emerged as a trusted, neutral facilitator and willing to continually support the process.
Looking Forward
As the FSC Remedy Framework continues to take shape, the lessons from the Jakarta forum remind us that remedy must be intentional, inclusive, and rooted in respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and worldviews.
The work ahead will not be easy, but as Minnie emphasized: “We have survived genocide and colonization by moving thoughtfully and carefully. Let us not rush, but ensure that remedy truly heals.”
Oceania Regional Meeting 2025
Advancing Indigenous Knowledge, Engagement and Collaborative Strategies for Sustainable Forest Stewardship
FSC-IF
Join Us for the Oceania Regional Meeting: Hosted by the Forest Stewardship Council, FSC Indigenous Foundation, and FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee
Date: January 20–22, 2025 Venue: Taupo, New Zealand, and virtual via Zoom (Virtual session only on the 20th-21st)
This meeting brings together Indigenous leaders, regional stakeholders from Oceania, and FSC representatives to discuss sustainable forest stewardship, foster collaboration, and promote Indigenous-led strategies for addressing environmental challenges.
Key Highlights:
Integration of Indigenous and global practices for sustainable forest management
Strategic discussions on FSC tools and ecosystem services
PIPC election process for Oceania representatives
Opportunities for regional partnerships and knowledge exchange
Please Note: Participation will be confirmed following an approval process. Once your registration is reviewed and approved, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom meeting details.
For more information, please get in touch with us at fsc.if@fsc.org. We look forward to your participation in shaping the future of sustainable forest stewardship and Indigenous Peoples engagement within the Forest Stewardship Council, and the FSC Indigenous Foundation in Oceania!
I am the forest, and the forest is me
Global Indigenous leaders gather to exchange knowledge and foster greater awareness of Indigenous perspectives on forest stewardship.
FSC-IF
From December 9 – 13 in Bonn, Germany, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC), FSC Indigenous Foundation Council members, and Indigenous leaders from around the world gathered for an important training and knowledge exchange workshop.
Supported by the FSC and the FSC Indigenous Foundation, the workshop explored how to amplify Indigenous voices within the FSC framework, deepen understanding of FSC’s vision, principles, and tools, and foster greater awareness of Indigenous perspectives on forest stewardship.
A global committee for Indigenous rights and forests
The Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) is a global advisory committee of Indigenous representatives from all regions of the planet to advise the FSC International Board on the FSC certification system, safeguard Indigenous Peoples’ rights, enhance forest management, and support Indigenous Peoples in building FSC certified forest stewardship, increasing their market share and value. The FSC Indigenous Foundation serves as the Secretariat of the PIPC.
PIPC members Alina Liviet Santiago of the Zapoteca Peoples in Mexico, Nadia Gomez of the Warpe Peoples in Argentina, Samante Anne of the Maasai People in Kenya, and David Collard of the Nyoongar Peoples in Australia joined the workshop in person, along with alternate members Te Ngaehe Wanikau of the Maori in Aotearoa and Selvyn Perez of the Maya in Guatemala. Members David Flood of the Matachewan First Nation in Canada, Basiru Isa of the Bororo Peoples of Cameroon, Praful Lakra of the Kurukh People of India, Olga Kostrova of the Chulym People of Russia, and Niila Inga of the Sami People in Sweden joined virtually. Two representatives from the FSC-IF Council were also present – Vice Chair Peggy Smith and Nicholas Mujah.
In addition, PIPC members invited Indigenous leaders from their regions engaged in sustainable forest management, from the lands of the Sámpi in Sweden, Ixtlan de Juarez in Mexico, Maori of Aotearoa, and from the impenetrable Choco in Argentina.
Finally, members of the FSC-IF staff and FSC staff were present.
This workshop was a key activity in the 2024 PIPC Work Plan to reinforce capacity building and knowledge exchange, providing a platform for in-depth discussions with several key FSC units.
The PIPC’s 2024 Work Plan was focused on four key areas: strengthening governance and leadership to ensure better representation of Indigenous Peoples within FSC, increasing active participation in FSC initiatives and policy development, enhancing knowledge sharing and capacity-building for both PIPC members and non-Indigenous stakeholders, and raising the visibility of Indigenous issues within the FSC community.
Knowledge exchange workshop
FSC Director General Subhra Bhattacharjee opened the workshop, emphasizing the importance of robust inputs from PIPC members regarding the challenges of climate change. PIPC Co-Chair Alina Liviet Santiago, FSC-IF Interim Managing Director Sarah Banda-Genchev, FSC-IF Council Vice-Chair Peggy Smith, and FSC Board Member and Liaison with PIPC Zandra Martinez, also gave opening remarks.
Next, PIPC members, alternates, and other invited Indigenous leaders presented themselves, their Peoples, and their forests.
“Forests are a right.” David Collard
“I am the forest and the forest is me. If our forests are in pain, we are in pain.” Te Ngaehe Wanikau
“Reindeer depend on natural, untouched forests.” Niila Inga
“We do not own the land, but we share the land with the whole community.” Alina Liviet Santiago
“Indigenous knowledge is what has kept our forests around.” Samante Anne
Kim Carstensen, Former Director General of the FSC, Zandra Martinez, PIPC Board Liaison, Peggy Smith, Vice-Chair of the FSC-IF Council, and Alina Santiago, PIPC Co-chair began by dicussing the history and establishment of the PIPC, and how the FSC and FSC Indigenous Foundation work together.
Gemma Boetekees, Director of Stakeholder Solutions at FSC, and Kim Carstensen discussed the past 30 years of FSC’s journey and the importance of Indigenous input for the upcoming 2025 General Assembly, to be held in Panama City, Panama.
Specific collaboration with FSC
This workshop provided a platform for in-depth discussions with several key FSC units. Lieske van Santen, Director of the Global Network Unit, shared about the FSC network and diverse stakeholders within the organization and explored potential opportunities for deeper engagement with Indigenous communities.
From the Performance and Standards Unit, Stefan Salvador, Sandra Fahd, Andres Venegas Soto, Maria Pilar Melero Bravo, and Jannicka Murphy shared the FSC Normative Framework and an overview of FSC Principles and Criteria, focusing on Principle 3 related to Indigenous Peoples’ rights and Principle 9 related to high conservation values. The Principles and Criteria revision process will begin in 2025, and all participants discussed how Indigenous Peoples can be involved in this process. PIPC members expressed their interest in being involved in the revision.
Frank Trolliet, also from the Performance and Standards Unit, led an exploration of existing FSC maps and potential for the development of a map showing the overlap between Indigenous Peoples’ forests and certification. Despite the data security limitations, there was a lot of interest in creating this map.
From the System Integrity Unit, Salem Jones, Jessica Surma, Julian Nierentz, Mario G. Aguilera, Marc Jessell and Lorena Martinez presented the FSC Remedy Framework, Revision of FSC Complaints and Appeals Procedures, and a specific case. All participants discussed how to build relationships of trust with Indigenous communities, and how PIPC can be involved in the consultation on the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) indicators. An in-depth discussion on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities living in isolation adjacent to forest management areas and the resolutions addressing these issues was carried out.
Maria Wowro and Natalia De Morais Gagini, working on Ecosystem Services within the Marketing and Commercial Unit, explained what Ecosystem Services are – the essential benefits that forests provide to people and the environment, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and biodiversity conservation. A discussion followed on incorporating cultural services and practices into FSC’s Ecosystem Services Procedure, with a focus on the benefits of certification for Indigenous communities. In addition, Sean Nyquist presented on non-timber forest products and explained the global rubber value chain, prompting participants to reflect on exploring NTFPs within their territories
Finally, PIPC members shared valuable insights to support the FSC Indigenous Foundation’s strategy on climate, biodiversity, land, finance, and ecosystem services.
“The Pacific contributes less than a quarter of 1% to climate change and yet the impact there is disproportionate,” said Te Ngaehe Wanikau, Maori from Aotearoa. “The Pacific generates 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and these are all Indigenous nations, maybe up to a third of them will not last another 50 years.”
“When it is supposed to snow it is raining, when it should be minus degrees it is plus degrees, so when you are doing the migration routes from summer pastures down to winter pasture it is dangerous because lakes and rivers are not freezing,” said Karin Nutti Pilflykt, Sami from Sweden.
“About 10 years, the water crisis began, and it has been complicated. It has been affecting Indigenous communities, because they have regional economies, and increasingly less water is available, also affecting forest areas,” said Nadia Gomez, Warpe from Argentina
“In our community, climate change is manifested in pests. Bark strippers is one of the pests that we cannot eradicate,” said Loida Ramirez, Zapoteca from Mexico.
Next steps: Oceania meeting in Aotearoa
The PIPC will hold the Oceania Regional Meeting from January 20 – 25, 2025 in Taupo, Aotearoa/New Zealand. The meeting aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a constructive dialogue on forest stewardship within the Oceania region, focusing on integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge for sustainable forest management. It will feature key discussions on FSC certification, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, governance, and sustainable forest management, as well as an emphasis on cultural respect and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Interested Indigenous Peoples from the region are invited to attend.
Join us
This workshop marks an important milestone in the collaborative journey between Indigenous leaders, FSC, and the FSC-IF, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge and voices remain at the forefront of global efforts for sustainable forest management, and climate, biodiversity and restoration. Together, we continue to build more inclusive and effective forestry practices around the world and promote Indigenous Peoples rights, forests, and territories.
Reach out to us at fsc.if@fsc.org if you would like to be a part of this journey.
