Transforming our Relation with Nature – Indigenous Peoples’ role for a healthy and just planet

On a global level, living in harmony with nature is gaining traction – be it as part of the principles within the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development or as the vision of global policy processes like the Convention on Biological Diversity. Yet, there is still a long way to go and hundreds of speakers at Stockholm+50 have called for real commitment to action. The planetary climate, biodiversity, and inequality crisis is underpinned by global political economic architecture that is built on exploitation, the privatization of gains, and the socialization of all the unsustainable costs and impacts that the system generates. On a local level Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) have long established sustainable land use practices, and are widely considered as stewards of nature contributing to a healthy and just planet. 

This Stockholm+50 associated event aimed to highlight the role and importance of Indigenous peoples and local communities in safeguarding the world’s forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity. The event was one of three collaborative events held on June 1st at Sida ahead of Stockholm+50, co-arranged by Sida, The Tenure Facility, SwedBio, The Rights and Resource Initiative, and the Focali – SIANI Dialogue Forum. 

The event was opened by Joan Carling, Global Director of The Indigenous Peoples Rights International and Solange Bandiaky-Badji, Coordinator and President of the Rights and Resources Initiative, highlighting the importance of rights, recognition and access to justice for IPLC’s in their role as stewards of nature. 

It was emphasized that a Human Rights-Based Approach has the potential not only to safeguard environmental and human right defenders on the frontlines but also the ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity they protect. This shows that nature protection and Human Rights are not mutually exclusive but are, in reality, inherently intertwined.

This strong entry to the event was followed by a powerful panel discussion starring diverse Indigenous representatives from across the globe. What became evident was that IPLC’s in the Ecuadorian Amazon-like Nemonte Nenquimo from the Waorani people face similar land-right issues as the Sámi in Sweden. IPLC’s rights violations are not just an issue in the so-called “global south” but also in the “global north,” leaving IPLC’s affected worldwide. This common denominator was a striking point. As much as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are now global in scope and repercussion , so    are the lack of rights and inadequate inclusion of IPLCs in land use decisions impairing global efforts to appropriately address these challenges. In addition to   sharing the experiences of their communities in India, Peru, Ecuador and Sweden, the panel of indigenous leaders also shared what they and their communities are doing to fight back against the violence and discrimination that affect their rights and their ability to sustainably steward their lands, including what others can do about it.

Archana Sorgeng, Member of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change and climate activist from India, reminded us about the healing process from past rights violations of IPLCs.

”When we talk about meaningful leadership, it is important to go back to acknowledge the injustice done on a local level. Only then can we have meaningful participation from Indigenous peoples.” 

It becomes evident that the past forms the present and that the present will shape the future. While the youth is often portrayed as the future, we cannot forget to include IPLC youth  in the present. Sara-Elvira Kuhmunen, President for Sáminuorra, the Sámi national youth organization in the Swedish part of Sápmi, calls on governments to make this full and effective inclusion a reality. A reality where IPLCs are not only included in decision making processes, but where their land and resource  rights are fully recognized and given precedent at  local, regional and national levels.

”I want to tell the government that indigenous rights are human rights. We want to be included in the decisions attached to our lands and resources. We want to give our faith to the youth for our future.”

IPLCs have constructive and clear demands as well as concrete suggestions on collaborating  with governments to effectively implement strategies to halt the ongoing global crises. In relation to this, the IPCC’s Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability report states that governance that prioritizes equity and justice in climate-adaptation planning and implementation leads to more effective and sustainable adaptation outcomes. The panel even introduced inclusive examples on how to support IPLC’s land rights and agency, and in doing so  accelerate  global transformation towards a more just, resilient, and sustainable future. Based on her reality as a member of the Harabukt peoples in Masenawa Peru, Anoshka Violeta Irey Cameno, member of the board of Fenamad, has concrete suggestions for governments.

“I would ask the government the following: First, I would ask for an Indigenous peoples Ministry to be established. Second for a territory of security and for territorial integrity.”

What all panelists describe as essential is their ability to organise within their communities to advance transformative change, often under the threat of  violence, land grabs, and persistent  injustices. And yet they continue putting their lives on the line daily, both to  protect nature  and make others realize that nature does not need to be protected, but respected. Nemonte Nenquimo, an Indigenous leader of the Waorani people of the Ecuadorian Amazon and co-Founder of Ceibo Alliance and Amazon Frontlines, is  clearly articulates what’s at stake, and the need for shared solidarity in the absence of strong political will:

“Policymakers will not save our territory. It is up to all of us, to all of you – we shouldn’t be the only ones sacrificing if we want our children to have a better future”

After the strong messages shared by the panel of rights holders, two representatives of donors and duty-bearers joined the panel to answer what members of the international community can do as key allies in the advancement,  protection  and fulfillment of IPLCs’ rights. Jenny Lopez, Land Governance Adviser Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK), on behalf of the IPLC Forest Tenure Pledge donor group and Emma Norrstad Tickner, Programme Manager Sida, Global Portfolio on Land Rights spoke to these issues.

From a donor perspective, they acknowledged that it is not only a scaling up in volume of funds that will have the biggest impact but the direct and sensitive allocation of money locally. COP26 was an example of a basic first step towards international  recognition of the importance of IPLCs voices and rights, but more action is urgently needed. Jenny Lopez highlighted the donors responsibility to recognise that ​​funding is neither adequate nor effectively  reaching IPLC communities on the ground. She suggests donors work with pledges where they report back to communities on their annual progress. This way donors can contribute to creating a platform for transparency and accountability of donor activities.

Emma Norrstad Tickner also recalled the vision of Stockholm+50 and responded to the panelists’ shared call for action.

“The main title of Stockholm+50 is a healthy planet and prosperity for all and it is our true responsibility to listen to you in all decisions moving forward. It is our responsibility to amplify the messages you conveyed here. And it is our responsibility to support and protect you as environmental defenders.”

To sum up the event, Nonette Royo, Executive Director, The Tenure Facility provided concluding remarks and highlighted the existing potential for collaboration and synergies.

We’ve heard what IPLCs, real stewards of nature have said. We know they mean it, they’ve been doing it for us – we must help them out there in the frontline, support with finances, with land rights.”

By the end of the event diverse groups mingled and huddled up across the venue to connect and discuss the messages from the panel. The co-organizers of this event highly recommend re-watching this panel. This way one can witness the strong messages for our common future shared by Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Human Rights defenders, who live and walk the talk literally on the frontlines to safeguard vital ecosystems and biodiversity in their territories. 

Explore the photo gallery of the dialogue.

Event recordings

Video interviews with panelists

Author: This news story was developed by Celina Thaller de Zarate SwedBio in collaboration with Alain Frechette RRI, Maria Ölund Focali – SIANI and Marta Anguera SIANI.

About the event: The event was co-organised by Sida, The Tenure Facility, SwedBio, The Rights and Resource Initiative, and the Focali-SIANI Dialogue Forum. Read the event program and speakers bios here.  Read about the full day at Sida with three associated events ahead of Stockholm+50 here or visit #ADayatSida on Twitter to see social media reporting from the day.

Contact: For questions about the Focali – SIANI Dialogue Forum contact: maria.olund@gu.se