FSC Indigenous Foundation welcomes Minnie Degawan as Managing Director

We are proud to announce the appointment of Minnie Degawan as its new Managing Director

FSC-IF

The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC IF) is proud to announce the appointment of Minnie Degawan as its new Managing Director, effective March 1, 2025.

With over thirty years of experience advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and integrating their knowledge into global conservation efforts, Minnie’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the Foundation. Throughout her career, she has worked to ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ rights are upheld across diverse spaces, including in collaboration with the business sector—particularly within the forestry industry. This new role presents an opportunity to realize a long-held vision of bridging the business and Indigenous communities, fostering meaningful partnerships that drive both responsible forest stewardship and and respect for Indigenous rights.

Minnie, a member of the Kankanaey-Igorot people of the Cordillera region of the Philippines, brings a distinguished career to this position. She has most recently worked as a social safeguard’s consultant for The Nature Conservancy and previously as director of Conservation International’s Indigenous Peoples Program, where she co-led the GEF-funded Inclusive Conservation Initiative and secured funding. Her roles have included developing reallocation mechanisms for forest carbon finance, leading Indigenous negotiations programs, and fostering partnerships between Indigenous Peoples and global stakeholders.

Minnie’s strategic vision has driven transformational change throughout her career. As Managing Director, her goal is to position the FSC Indigenous Foundation as a globally recognized and influential organization that not only promotes the recognition and practice of Indigenous Peoples’ rights but also ensures their full integration into FSC’s global framework. Through her leadership, FSC-IF is strengthening its role as a bridge between Indigenous communities and sustainable forest management, advocating for policies, and economic opportunities that empower Indigenous Peoples as key actors in global conservation efforts.

“My vision for the Foundation is for it to be recognized globally as a credible Indigenous Peoples’ organization that can partner with diverse stakeholders to promote the recognition and actual practice of Indigenous Peoples’ rights,” Minnie said. “Through collaboration, inclusion and empowerment, we can ensure that indigenous voices are not only heard but are at the forefront of sustainability efforts.”

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, praised Minnie’s extensive experience and dedication:

“Minnie’s leadership is a beacon of hope for indigenous peoples around the world. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing indigenous communities, combined with her track record of advocacy and partnership building, will take the FSC Indigenous Foundation to new heights. ”

The Permanent Indigenous Peoples’ Permanent Committee (PIPC), as an advisor to the FSC Board of Directors and a representative of the Indigenous voices and Peoples certified by the FSC, expresses, through its chair, Alina Santiago, its willingness to continue collaborating with the new director to strengthen the FSC Indigenous Foundation.

“The goal is to establish the Foundation as an organization that equips Indigenous Peoples with the necessary tools to promote and enhance both their organizations and the sustainable use of their forest resources.“

Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council International and Founder of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, highlighted the importance of Minnie’s appointment:

“The FSC Indigenous Foundation was founded to create a platform for Indigenous Peoples to lead global dialogues on sustainability and responsible forest stewardship. Minnie’s appointment represents a strong step forward in fulfilling this mission.”

The FSC Indigenous Foundation also expresses its deep gratitude to Sarah Banda-Genchev, who has worked with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for over a decade and has served as Management Consultant and Acting Interim Managing Director of the FSC-IF since February 2024.

Under Minnie Degawan’s leadership, the FSC Indigenous Foundation is strengthening its impact by fostering global partnerships and advancing the rights and values of Indigenous Peoples. A key pillar of this work is supporting Indigenous-led solutions, ensuring that Indigenous communities can benefit from sustainable forestry while preserving their traditional knowledge and land stewardship practices. Minnie’s vision of global collaboration and recognition will drive meaningful and sustainable change, positioning Indigenous Peoples as leaders in responsible forest management and ensuring their full participation in the global FSC framework.

About the FSC Indigenous Foundation

The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is a global organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights, values, and leadership within the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) framework. Committed to promoting sustainable forest management, the Foundation works to increase Indigenous participation in FSC certification, governance, and decision-making. By fostering partnerships, advocating for Indigenous-led solutions, and integrating traditional knowledge into forest stewardship, FSC-IF strives to create a future where forests are sustainably managed with Indigenous Peoples as key actors in conservation, climate resilience, and equitable economic opportunities.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Maria De Leon
Communications Specialist
m.deleon@fsc.org

Alina Liviet Santiago appointed as president of the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee

Strengthening sustainable forest management through Indigenous leadership

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During the 43^rd meeting of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC), held in Bonn, Germany, PIPC Vice Chair Alina Liviet Santiago Jimenez was elected president by the committee members, after 6 months of serving as acting chairperson, together with the Vice-Chairperson, Praful Lakra, the committee members unanimously decided to proclaim Ms. Alina Santiago as acting chairperson of the FSC Permanent Committee on Indigenous Peoples.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation congratulates Ms. Alina Santiago on her appointment and reaffirms its commitment to supporting her in this new role.

“Thank you very much for the trust and I feel very committed to the FSC and to the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee. It is a great responsibility that has been entrusted to me today. We have high expectations with the new 2025 work plan,” said Alina Santiago.

Ms. Alina Santiago belongs the the Zapoteco Indigenous People from the community Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked alongside Indigenous communities on a wide range of issues, including FSC certification, community governance, and sustainable livelihoods.

A dedicated advocate for the rights and sustainable practices of Indigenous Peoples, Alina Santiago is an individual member of FSC’s Southern Social Chamber. Her work focuses on advancing Indigenous-led solutions to environmental and social challenges through effective leadership and advocacy.

In Mexico, Alina Santiago has overseen the chain of custody and multi-site chain of custody certification process and has contributed to the preparation of audits for Forest Management certification. She is a consultant for Indigenous communities in the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca, where she provides expertise in management, project development, and the formation and monitoring of communal enterprises. She supports FSC certification and resource management in collaboration with national and international organizations.

She currently holds the position of health councilor in the municipality of her community, which is governed by the Indigenous normative system.

Learn more about the sustainable forest management models implemented in her community.

Praful Lakra, PIPC representative from Asia, will continue in his role as Vice President of the PIPC, and David Flood, PIPC representative from Canada, will also serve as Vice President.

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.

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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.

Download the Full Declaration

We are Lenca Women

Lenca Indigenous Women lead cultural revitalization and economic empowerment

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From September 4-6, 2024, the Gathering of Lenca Indigenous Women took place in the community of Yamaranguila in Intibucá, Honduras. This significant event under the Indigenous Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative (I-WEE) was born from a collective desire expressed by the Lenca women’s organizations the FSC Indigenous Foundation is working with. The Gathering was a space for exchange of knowledge and experiences among Lenca women for the revitalization of the Lenca culture.

The event was developed around four core themes, each addressing critical aspects of Lenca identity: spirituality, traditional food, mother language, and traditional plant medicine. It was organized with the support of an Organizing Committee of delegates nominated by all the organizations.

The meeting began with a spiritual ceremony led by the Auxiliary of the Vara Alta, a traditional Lenca Indigenous institution of Intibucá and Yamaranguila. Next, Regina Jun, Acting Director of the Program Office of USAID Honduras, gave opening remarks, highlighting the crucial role of Indigenous women in preserving the rich culture of their peoples. Carlos Blandón, Director of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program implemented by the FSC Indigenous Foundation, recognized Indigenous women as fundamental pillars of the development of their Peoples, who have an intrinsic connection with Mother Earth, their families, communities, and territories. Leila Reyes, Indigenous Affairs Officer of the Foundation and an Indigenous Lenca woman, explained the Gathering’s objective to strengthen Lenca culture based on the four priority areas.

Lenca Indigenous Spirituality

The Lenca worldview is deeply intertwined with nature, and their spiritual practices, such as “La Compostura” and “El Guancasco,” reflect this connection. Members of the Auxiliary of the Vara Alta de Intibucá demonstrated these symbolism-rich ceremonies. Then participants engaged in discussions about their significance and the challenges of preserving these traditions.

The “Guancasco” is a ceremony that promotes forgiveness and reconciliation between Peoples, traditionally celebrating peace and friendship between brothers and sisters. In the Lenca language, “Guanco” signifies brother and “Guanca” sister. The ceremony’s symbolic elements themselves have been passed down from generation to generation, such as the wooden mask, drum, baton, flags, and whistle. The ceremony involves the construction of two altars and represents a syncretism between Lenca spirituality and the Catholic Church.

The “Compostura” is a ceremony of thanksgiving and prayer to Mother Earth and the Creator, traditionally performed before planting or cultivating maize or beans. The ceremony is also an act of healing and includes an offering of chilcate, cacao, and copal – an incense that is food for the soul. The ceremony leads to unity, and harmony, and inspires people to return to their roots.

In the discussion, participants highlighted that Lenca cultural and spiritual practices are related to Mother Earth, for example, the phases of the moon. One participant noted that her ancestors cultivated crops according to the phases of the moon and always had abundant results. The Compostura also involves a deep respect for Mother Earth, since she represents life itself because she has the infinite capacity to bear fruit. The most important and significant Composturas of the Lenca People are for the planting and harvesting of corn, performed periodically throughout the year.

Lenca Traditional Gastronomy

Food in Lenca culture is not just sustenance but a sacred gift from the Creator. In the dialogue on Lenca traditional foods, the Indigenous women explored the cultural importance of these foods, particularly those made from corn and beans.
Lenca gastronomy is an expression of connection with Mother Earth and her elements and includes traditional dishes such as atol shuco (a maize drink), and different corn and bean stews. Lenca food is traditionally cultivated and prepared from ingredients grown under the sun, to nourish both the body and the spirit.

During this space, participants reflected on the profound relationship between food and culture as well as challenges faced in the revitalization of Lenca gastronomy. Fast food, food processed with chemicals, and gradual loss of culture and language are leading to the disappearance of Lenca traditional food, which used to be passed down from generation to generation. Another key challenge mentioned was the impact of climate change on the seasons and agriculture. In addition, existing limitations on women’s legal access to land also make it more difficult for them to preserve and maintain traditions.

Women proposed solutions, for example to use social media to promote Lenca food and culture to future generations.
The session concluded with sharing recipes and tasting different traditional dishes.

Reviving the Lenca Language

Given the loss of fluent speakers and the scarcity of written records, revitalizing the Lenca language is a priority for cultural preservation. Participants engaged in discussions and practical exercises to compile and share traditional words and phrases, highlighting the role of youth in preserving their linguistic heritage. During the event participants received a guide and basic dictionary of some words in the Lenca language.

“Language is important to our identity, it’s part of what makes us who we really are,” said Sandra Veronica Zerón, facilitator of this theme of the Gathering.

Plants as Sources of Traditional Lenca Medicine

The Lenca People have a deep ancestral knowledge of plants and their healing properties. Historically they have used this knowledge in their traditional medicine, a practice that has been orally transmitted from generation to generation, in which women play a key role.

However, these practices are now under threat. For example, deforestation and logging have caused many species to become extinct, and with them the knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples. Lidia Reyes, an ethnobotanical researcher, moderated this space for reflection and began the dialogue with the following question: “When cutting down a single tree, how many lives are lost with it?”

Participants formed groups to share knowledge and experience in the use of plants and their properties – such as oregano, chamomile, basil, ginger, pine, and lime.

“With each pine acorn, thousands of forests can be regenerated, and for each fungus that is left to throw spores, thousands of forests are regenerated. But iron and oil, which have replaced the resin of the trees, are not renewable. The day they disappear we will no longer have the fundamental elements for life,” said Lidia Reyes.

Event highlights

The event coincided with the International Day of Indigenous Women on September 5th, providing an opportunity to honor the crucial role Lenca women play in their families and communities. Each of the fourteen participating organizations received a symbolic piece of art painted by children attending the art school Lenca Chalchiguas in recognition of their historic work for the rights of women and Indigenous Peoples.

One of our partner organizations in Honduras, ARCILI, an organization for Lenca Peoples with visual disabilities participated in the event with Braille material promoting their inclusion in the activities. “The group of people with disabilities, in this case represented by ARCILI in this Gathering, has participated just like the other organizations and this is positive,” said Ruben Vasquz, ARCILI.

Understanding that childcare responsibilities can be a barrier for Indigenous women to participate in activities of interest, FSC-IF implemented a strategy to enable Lenca mothers to participate fully in the event. Children participated in culturally appropriate activities that followed the same four key areas of the Gathering, enabling mothers to engage in the exchange of knowledge, and for the children to play and learn about Lenca culture together.

The path ahead

This Gathering marked a significant step towards the cultural and economic empowerment of Lenca Indigenous women, ensuring that their identity and culture thrive for future generations. It recognized that Indigenous women are the guardians, protectors and defenders of Mother Earth, natural resources, tradition, and culture, promoting their role as a bridge for inter-scientific and intercultural dialogue. It is essential to continue recognizing, valuing and strengthening their fundamental role within their Peoples.

“Women should not crawl; they should have the momentum to fly. I know everyone has this impulse today.”
Rosario Garcia, Coordinator of the Table of Unity of the Lenca Indigenous People (MUPILH).

Participants stated the need to document the wisdom and practices of the Lenca People.
As a next step, we are working to document the knowledge shared during the Gathering and will share it with the participating women’s organizations to ensure that these invaluable insights will continue to benefit the Lenca community.

We invite organizations and entities to become our financial and technical partners to continue and multiply the important impact of I-WEE and other crucial initiatives. If your organization or business is interested in collaborating with us and with Indigenous women for sustainable change, we invite you to connect at  fsc.if@fsc.org. 

About I-WEE

The I-WEE initiative works with Indigenous women and girls in Guatemala and Honduras to promote their economic empowerment by strengthening capacities, generating enabling environments for their active participation and advocacy, and strengthening productive initiatives led by Indigenous women. It is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) with private sector partners.

About FSC Indigenous Foundation

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is a global Indigenous organization promoting Indigenous-led actions for their development and self-reliance. We work 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.

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