Panama-Mexico Community of Practice

Exchange among Indigenous Peoples and the Development of Nature-Based Economic Models

FSC IF

April 2026, Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico

On April 1 and 2, 2026, a delegation of Indigenous Peoples from the Darién region of Panama visited Ixtlán de Juárez, in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, as part of the “Panama – Mexico,” a platform for exchange promoted by the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) with support from the Inter-American Development Bank Group’s innovation lab.

The delegation was composed of representatives from the communities of Alto Playón, Puerto Lara, Arimae, and Emberá Puru, belonging to the Emberá and Wounaan peoples, who engaged in direct dialogue with community leaders from the Zapotec community of Ixtlán de Juárez, accompanied by the project’s technical team and FSC Mexico.

This exchange is part of the project “Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models”, an initiative led by the FSC Indigenous Foundation and co-financed by IDB Lab, which supports indigenous communities in building their own economies based on their relationship with the land.

Through this process, communities in the Darién region are exploring how to transform their knowledge, practices, and forms of organization into economic models that generate income without disrupting the balance with nature, and identifying mechanisms that allow them to recognize and communicate the cultural, social, and environmental value of their products and services.

Learning among communities, such as that experienced in Ixtlán de Juárez, thus becomes a key tool for identifying their own paths to development while simultaneously strengthening community governance and the capacity to make long-term decisions.

Governance and Community Vision

In Ixtlán de Juárez, the forest is central to community life. Its management is underpinned by an assembly-based governance structure, where decisions are guided by a long-term collective vision. This model is strengthened through FSC-certified forest management, which has helped establish clear criteria for forest management and consolidate responsible management practices.

During the exchange, the Commissioner of Communal Assets, Amado Maurilio Méndez Pacheco, shared some of the principles that have helped consolidate this model:

“We often want to see quick results, but community processes are long-term. A business needs time to mature. Here we have learned to organize ourselves, to reinvest, and to be clear about where we want to go as a community.”

More than isolated initiatives, the enterprises, forest management, and social organization are part of a single system that serves the community’s well-being.

Beyond the Forest: Community-Owned Businesses

One of the main focuses of the visit was to learn about the network of community-owned businesses that Ixtlán has developed within its territory.

The delegation visited various productive initiatives created and managed by the community itself, including the sawmill, the furniture factory, the purified water bottling plant, and the Ecoturixtlán ecotourism park, where they also stayed.

*Tour of the sawmill and bottling plant*

Among the sites visited, the Glass observation deck stood out as one of the highest observation decks of its kind in Latin America and a flagship example of the community-based tourism model. Its development has generated jobs and income not only for Ixtlán but also for neighboring communities that are part of the tourism value chain.

The Juguetearte Capulálpam initiative also participated; it crafts toys from wood waste from the forest. This model particularly caught the participants’ attention, as it demonstrated how materials not used in industrial processes can be utilized to generate economic value while simultaneously contributing to forest conservation.

Community Economy and Decision-Making

The exchange provided insight into how the community organizes and distributes the benefits of its economic activities.

In Ixtlán, income is not allocated solely for individual distribution. A portion goes toward social provision, another toward reinvestment in the forest and the enterprises, and only a fraction is distributed directly.

In the words of César Canseco, Chief Operating Officer of Ecoturixtlán

“Ixtlán isn’t looking to make a fortune from its businesses, but rather to create jobs. This allows young people to stay and find opportunities within the community. In the past, many wanted to become forest engineers because it was the main source of livelihood; today, they’re also seeking training in tourism, management, and other fields.”

This model is based on a logic of long-term sustainability, where economic development is built without compromising the land.

Likewise, the importance of having technical support to strengthen the management of community-owned businesses and ensure their long-term viability was emphasized.

Field-Based Learning

The activities included tours of the mesophilic mountain forest, as well as visits to local agricultural and tourism projects.

During these sessions, Alina Santiago, a Zapotec indigenous leader from Ixtlán de Juárez, played a key role in presenting the community model. Together with Alejandro Reynosa of FSC Mexico, they presented the FSC forest management certification and addressed the delegation’s questions, particularly regarding how this tool can strengthen forest management and help diversify income sources for indigenous communities.

Beyond the technical content, the gathering included ceremonies, cultural expressions, and opportunities for dialogue that reflect the deep connection between territory, identity, and community.

The delegation from the Emberá and Wounaan peoples shared with great interest and admiration the impact they felt upon learning about the work carried out by their Zapotec brothers and sisters. They expressed their enthusiasm upon observing the results of a process built over 60 years, as well as the growth achieved and the development of productive initiatives with a high level of organization. They particularly highlighted the way in which they have managed to sustainably utilize forest resources, while keeping the forest strong, healthy, and protected.

Luviana Chamapuro, president of the Indigenous organization Oropéndolas, shared this enthusiasm:

“I’m going back to my community very happy because I can share this; that’s why I came: to see and share with my community. Tourism is important, and welcoming tourists is important; we are artisans, we can offer good products and good service, and I will be sharing this with the group that welcomes tourists. They’ve accomplished these great projects they’re working on, and it’s not easy; it took many years, but they did it, and I’m speechless.”

Chief Aulina Ismare Opua, chief of the Wounaan People’s General Congress, also shared:

“The environmental aspect: I’m surprised to see land-use planning within the hectares. In Panama, some communities have it; we just need to harness the technical potential and add value. It helps us tell the government that we don’t just want to have it for the sake of having it, but that we want to decide how to care for it, and this also helps the development of the population and the government itself.”

*Part of the delegation: The Emberá and Wounaan Peoples*

Diversification and Ecosystem Services

One of the key topics of the exchange was income diversification through ecosystem services, particularly given the interest of Panamanian communities in identifying new economic opportunities beyond timber harvesting.

As Alina Santiago noted:“There are other products derived from the forest: water, handicrafts, biodiversity, carbon credits. There are seven ecosystem services managed by the FSC.”

This approach highlighted how forest benefits can be translated into business models that do not rely solely on timber, opening opportunities for communities that, due to their geographical conditions, do not have large forest areas.

In this regard, FSC-certified forest management was presented as a tool that strengthens community organization, facilitates better forest management, allows for the identification of economic diversification opportunities, and opens up possibilities for accessing new markets, including mechanisms such as the carbon market.

A Dialogue Among Territories

The experience in Ixtlán de Juárez offers insights that can be adapted to different contexts, recognizing that each territory has its own unique conditions, but also that there are common principles in the development of sustainable community models.

From the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca to the Panamanian Darién, the forest remains a meeting place, where sustainability is not an abstract concept, but a practice built by the community.

Panama Delegation, FSC-IF, and FSC Mexico

Indigenous Forest Stewardship in Asia

Navigating FSC Certification in Asia

FSC IF

March, 2026

From March 21 to 22, the FSC Indigenous Foundation organized the “Indigenous Forest Stewardship: Navigating FSC Certification in Asia” meeting. A diverse group of Indigenous leaders, FSC-IF and FSC representatives, and regional stakeholders gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for a critical dialogue on the future of forest governance in Asia. What emerged was not just a technical discussion about certification systems, but a powerful reflection on rights, resilience, and the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples navigating restrictive state policies and corporate pressures.

From the beginning, participants made one thing clear: Forest certification cannot be separated from the broader context of Indigenous rights. Across Asia, Indigenous Peoples continue to face shrinking access to their ancestral lands, restrictive state policies, and competing economic pressures.

The Tension Between Standards and Reality

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) positions itself as a global leader in responsible forest management, with over 117 million hectares certified worldwide. Furthermore, FSC has 10 principles and three are most relevant to Indigenous Peoples:

Principle 2: maintain or improve the social and economic well-being of workers;

Principle 3: uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples

Principle 9: maintain or improve high conservation values; including cultural and spiritual sites.

These principles provide formal entry points for advancing Indigenous rights within the FSC system. Yet, the dialogue revealed a persistent gap between these commitments and their implementation on the ground.

A pressing concern was raised around FPIC. For many Indigenous participants, FPIC is not merely a procedural step but a fundamental expression of self-determination. Stories shared during the gathering illustrated how, in practice, communities are often consulted too late, or not at all, while decisions about their lands move forward. The fear is that ongoing revisions to FSC standards could weaken FPIC, turning a substantive right into a checkbox exercise.

Mr. Nicolas Mujah, FSC-IF Council member, also mentioned how communities can engage in grievance procedures to challenge violations:

“FPIC is important to integrate into FSC. In FSC, there’s a remedy framework: if you feel you have been criminalized, you can start with the complaint mechanism.”

Participants agreed that FSC and similar certification mechanisms must provide transparent and effective complaint and remedy processes. Complaint mechanisms can be anonymized to protect human rights defenders, but systemic support and follow-up are missing, undermining accountability.

Structural Barriers to Participation

A central theme of the dialogue was participation: who gets to shape the rules.

FSC’s governance structure, built around economic, social, and environmental chambers, is designed to balance interests. However, participants highlighted significant barriers for Indigenous Peoples. Membership fees, technical complexity, limited voting power, and uneven access to these mechanisms, all restrict meaningful engagement. For many forest-dependent communities, simply navigating the system can be overwhelming, especially for Indigenous communities with limited resources and adequate support.

However, despite these challenges, several engagement mechanisms were highlighted by Jacki Yeung, FSC Membership Manager for Asia Pacific:

Participation in General Assembly motions and voting processes

Involvement in chamber discussions and working groups

Engagement in consultations and policy development platforms

Participants emphasised that while individual membership may appear limited, collective organizing within chambers can strengthen Indigenous influence.

A Path Forward, Reform and Collaboration

Despite the challenges, the tone of the gathering was not one of resignation, but of cautious determination.

Participants called for concrete reforms within FSC recognizing that current structures are insufficient to protect Indigenous rights, including reducing barriers to membership, strengthening Indigenous representation, and ensuring that standards are consistently enforced. There was also a strong emphasis on collective action, organizing within chambers, building regional networks, and developing shared messages for global platforms.

On the last day of the dialogue, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were highlighted as a complementary tool, particularly in strengthening accountability and access to remedies. As mandatory due diligence laws begin to emerge in several countries, there is growing potential to align certification systems with broader legal frameworks.

Conclusion, From Participation to Power

The gathering underscored a critical moment for forest governance in Asia. FSC and similar systems hold significant potential, but their legitimacy depends on their ability to deliver on their promises.

For Indigenous Peoples, the question is not whether to engage, but how to transform these systems so they truly reflect their rights, knowledge, and leadership.

Overall, the gathering was eye opening and created a space for critical reflections, with participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to share experiences and challenge existing systems.

“I learned a lot about FSC and PIPC. Thank you for the learning exchange; understanding each other’s challenges and experiences made it truly meaningful and successful. I also hope there will be more youth involvement.”

– Naomi Be-ilan, Indigenous Youth, Ikalahan, Philippines

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

Draft FSC Clarification Note for Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation in Peru

Public consultations are a key tool used by the Forest Stewardship Council (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:

English: https://consultation-platform.fsc.org/en/consultations/take/ce5b63436b012
Spanish https://consultation-platform.fsc.org/es/consultations/take/ce5b63436b012
French: https://consultation-platform.fsc.org/en/consultations/take/cfde9d0543748

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.

To sign-up for the webinar, register on Zoom here.

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 FSC’s 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.”

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