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.
FSC-IF
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.
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
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.
Let's learn how to live in peace with nature from the world's best biodiversity stewards.
FSC-IF
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.
Ogiek Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment: Supporting the Ogiek women in the Mau Forest of Kenya to grow businesses, rehabilitate the forest, revitalize their language, and preserve knowledge of their traditional medicine.
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.
It’s time for Indigenous solutions
Join us at Climate Week New York to connect with the value of Indigenous knowledge and territories
FSC-IF
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 IbrahimChair of FSC Indigenous Foundation Counciland Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Moderator: Satnam Manhas, R.P.F., Senior Manager, Indigenous Capacity Support Canada, FSC Indigenous Foundation
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 Counciland 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.
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.
