ICI Report | Inclusive Conservation Initiative Phase 3 Report – Walking the Talk: How Inclusive Conservation is Delivering Results
Phase 3 marks ICI’s transition from design to delivery, with Indigenous-led organizations across 12 countries directly managing conservation efforts at scale. The report highlights how Indigenous governance, gender-responsive systems, and culturally grounded monitoring are now shaping national policies and global agendas—offering a replicable model for rights-based, community-led conservation that works. With direct access to finance and decision-making power, they advanced land rights, governance, gender equity, and policy influence—proving that Indigenous-led action is critical to effective, scalable conservation.
We are not beneficiaries of conservation efforts – we are partners
On International Mother Earth Day, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities across ten geographies are demonstrating that they are not beneficiaries of conservation, but equal partners shaping biodiversity action through scaled, direct finance. From biocultural mapping to landmark co-governance agreements, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative shows how Indigenous leadership is redefining conservation worldwide.
Embracing Indigenous Wisdom: Reflections from the Inclusive Conservation Initiative Asia Regional Learning Exchange in Thini, Nepal
The ICI Asia Regional Learning Exchange in Thini, Nepal brought together more than 100 Indigenous leaders, elders, women, and youth to share knowledge on customary governance, conservation, and biocultural heritage. From sacred ceremonies to field visits in Mustang, the exchange highlighted how Indigenous worldviews and community-led practices are shaping inclusive conservation across Asia.
A Journey of Learning and Unity: Reflections from Our Inclusive Conservation Initiative Africa Learning Exchange in Tanzania
The ICI Africa Regional Learning Exchange in Tanzania brought together 37 Indigenous and local community leaders from across Africa to strengthen capacity, share solutions, and advance Indigenous-led conservation under the GEF-funded Inclusive Conservation Initiative. Through workshops, fellow case studies, and immersive visits to the Yaeda Valley and Hadzabe communities, participants demonstrated how secure land tenure, governance, and cultural knowledge drive lasting biodiversity outcomes.
Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Phase 2 Report: A Focus on Inclusive Finance
The ICI Phase 2 Report highlights how $14.5 million in direct-access agreements are enabling Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to lead conservation through their own governance systems. Supported by the GEF, the report demonstrates how inclusive finance is transforming biodiversity protection while advancing rights-based, self-determined climate and conservation solutions.
ICI Report | Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Phase Two Report: A Focus on Inclusive Finance
The Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Phase 2 Report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made towards inclusive conservation practices and the implementation of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs)-led initiatives over the past year. Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this initiative highlights the leadership of IPs and LCs in conservation efforts and the delivery of global environmental benefits (GEBs).
Indigenous Leaders Of ICI Advocate For Inclusion At GEF Assembly
Indigenous leaders from the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) participated in the GEF Assembly in Vancouver, advocating for inclusive conservation and greater recognition of Indigenous-led initiatives. They highlighted the importance of direct funding, Indigenous governance, and gender equity, while welcoming the launch of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) to support Indigenous and local communities.
ICI Video | ICI-GEF 1st Global Learning Exchange
The first Inclusive Conservation Initiative Global Learning Exchange was hosted by the Isaak Olam Foundation on the unceded territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in August 2023, bringing together Indigenous leaders from all ten ICI initiatives and members of the GEF Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group. The gathering included the inaugural meeting of the ICI Global Steering Committee ahead of the 7th GEF Assembly in Vancouver, marking a milestone in Indigenous-led global conservation governance.
First phase of ICI implementation highlights importance of Indigenous-led conservation and need for increased funding
The Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Phase One Report showcases the first phase of Indigenous-led conservation efforts, demonstrating their effectiveness in protecting 7.6 million hectares of biodiverse landscapes. The report emphasizes the need for increased funding and adaptive finance mechanisms to support Indigenous Peoples and local communities in stewarding lands, waters, and natural resources globally.
ICI Report | Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Phase One Report: Spearheading Inclusive Conservation
On 09 August 2023 (International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples), the Inclusive Conservation Initiative released its Phase One Report, summarizing the first phase of its implementation, from ideation in December 2019 to implementation status in mid-2023.