ICI Video | ICI Presents: When the River Speaks
Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Type: Video, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance Jamie Wen Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Type: Video, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance Jamie Wen

ICI Video | ICI Presents: When the River Speaks

When the River Speaks follows Maglin, a young Yine mother from Peru’s Madre de Dios, as she carries her community’s voice to the global Minamata Convention to confront mercury contamination threatening Indigenous lives and territories. Supported by the Inclusive Conservation Initiative, Yine communities are strengthening territorial governance, training mercury monitors, and empowering women and youth to advocate for policies that protect their rivers, health, and futures.

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ICI Video | Lighting the Path with Indigenous Knowledge
Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Type: Video, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence Jamie Wen Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Type: Video, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence Jamie Wen

ICI Video | Lighting the Path with Indigenous Knowledge

2025 marks a defining year for Indigenous leadership in global environmental policy. Hear from Indigenous leaders of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) on how Indigenous Knowledge is lighting the policy path -- from Abu Dhabi, to COP6 for the Minamata Convention, and to UNFCCC COP30 in Belém.

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ICI Video | The Path is Made by Walking: Indigenous Leadership Advances Inclusive Conservation in Kenya
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Type: Video, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Makanisi: ICI Fellows Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Type: Video, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Makanisi: ICI Fellows Jamie Wen

ICI Video | The Path is Made by Walking: Indigenous Leadership Advances Inclusive Conservation in Kenya

This video features IMPACT Kenya’s use of biocultural mapping to secure pastoralist land rights and highlights how the Inclusive Conservation Initiative is enabling Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to lead conservation across 10 territories in 12 countries. The 2024–25 Achievements and Learning Report shows how ICI is shifting power through rights-based finance, from land tenure gains in Tanzania to gender-responsive frameworks in the Amazon and biocultural education programs in Mesoamerica.

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We are not beneficiaries of conservation efforts – we are partners 
Makanisi: Exchanges, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Southwest Amazon, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Annapurna Area, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Global, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance Jamie Wen Makanisi: Exchanges, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Southwest Amazon, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Annapurna Area, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Global, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance Jamie Wen

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.

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Embracing Indigenous Wisdom: Reflections from the Inclusive Conservation Initiative Asia Regional Learning Exchange in Thini, Nepal
Type: Web Story, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Makanisi: Exchanges, Geographies: Thailand, Geographies: Annapurna Area Jamie Wen Type: Web Story, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Makanisi: Exchanges, Geographies: Thailand, Geographies: Annapurna Area Jamie Wen

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.

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COP16: Advancing Indigenous Leadership and Inclusive Conservation
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Global, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Type: Web Story, Inclusion: Gender Equality Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Global, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Type: Web Story, Inclusion: Gender Equality Jamie Wen

COP16: Advancing Indigenous Leadership and Inclusive Conservation

At CBD COP16, Indigenous leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo showcased how direct access to biodiversity finance, legal recognition of ICCAs, and traditional governance are transforming conservation outcomes. Through ANAPAC and the Inclusive Conservation Initiative, IPLCs are advancing women’s leadership, securing territories of life, and shaping global biodiversity policy.

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ICI at COP16: Fostering Inclusive Conservation and advancing Indigenous Rights
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: Global Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: Global Jamie Wen

ICI at COP16: Fostering Inclusive Conservation and advancing Indigenous Rights

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, Indigenous co-chairs of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative demonstrated Indigenous governance in action, reaching consensus on 15 strategic decisions to guide global conservation. Through direct engagement with the GEF and IIFB, ICI leaders advanced the case for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as primary decision-makers in biodiversity finance and policy.

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A Journey of Learning and Unity: Reflections from Our Inclusive Conservation Initiative Africa Learning Exchange in Tanzania
Makanisi: Exchanges, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Makanisi: Exchanges, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

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.

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The First Annual Stakeholder Forum for the Inclusive Conservation Initiative in Kenya
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

The First Annual Stakeholder Forum for the Inclusive Conservation Initiative in Kenya

At the first Annual ICI Kenya Stakeholder Forum in Nanyuki, Indigenous leaders and conservation partners reviewed Year 1 achievements, including biocultural mapping with 22 communities across the Mid-Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin. The forum catalyzed a shared Manifesto for Inclusive Conservation, reaffirming Indigenous self-determination as the foundation for safeguarding biocultural diversity in Kenya.

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Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Phase 2 Report: A Focus on Inclusive Finance
Makanisi: Global Steering Committee, Makanisi: Exchanges, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Geographies: Global, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Makanisi: Global Steering Committee, Makanisi: Exchanges, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Geographies: Global, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

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.

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Indigenous Leaders Of ICI Advocate For Inclusion At GEF Assembly
Makanisi: Exchanges, Makanisi: Global Steering Committee, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Geographies: Global Jamie Wen Makanisi: Exchanges, Makanisi: Global Steering Committee, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Geographies: Global Jamie Wen

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.

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ICI Video | ICI-GEF 1st Global Learning Exchange
Type: Video, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Geographies: Global, Makanisi: Exchanges Jamie Wen Type: Video, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Geographies: Global, Makanisi: Exchanges Jamie Wen

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.

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World Water Day 2023: Inclusive conservation accelerating change in the Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin
Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

World Water Day 2023: Inclusive conservation accelerating change in the Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin

On World Water Day 2023, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) highlights how Indigenous pastoralists in Kenya are protecting the Ewaso Ng’iro River using traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. By revitalizing sacred water sources and strengthening community governance, ICI supports resilient ecosystems, cultural heritage, and livelihoods across the river basin.

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The first year of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI): Kicking off a global paradigm shift, together
Makanisi: Program Management Unit, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Type: Web Story, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Southwest Amazon, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Annapurna Area, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Thailand, Geographies: Fiji Lau Seascape and Cook Islands, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Global Jamie Wen Makanisi: Program Management Unit, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Type: Web Story, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Southwest Amazon, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Annapurna Area, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Thailand, Geographies: Fiji Lau Seascape and Cook Islands, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Global Jamie Wen

The first year of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI): Kicking off a global paradigm shift, together

In its first year, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) launched nine subprojects across 12 countries to empower Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as leaders in conservation and decision-making. By promoting Indigenous governance, gender equality, and direct access to climate and biodiversity finance, ICI is building a global movement for inclusive, culturally grounded, and impactful environmental stewardship.

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UNGA 77: Indigenous-led solutions informed by solidarity, sustainability and diverse knowledge systems
Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Geographies: Global, Type: Web Story, Makanisi: Program Management Unit Jamie Wen Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Geographies: Global, Type: Web Story, Makanisi: Program Management Unit Jamie Wen

UNGA 77: Indigenous-led solutions informed by solidarity, sustainability and diverse knowledge systems

At UNGA 77, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) highlighted how Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) provide solutions rooted in solidarity, sustainability, and diverse knowledge systems. From strengthening Indigenous leadership to promoting sustainable development and integrating traditional and scientific knowledge, ICI subprojects demonstrate how IPLCs can lead global conservation and climate action.

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Indigenous Peoples are custodians of the Earth’s biodiversity
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Type: Video, Geographies: Global, Makanisi: Program Management Unit Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Type: Video, Geographies: Global, Makanisi: Program Management Unit Jamie Wen

Indigenous Peoples are custodians of the Earth’s biodiversity

On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity 2022, CI’s Minnie Degawan, a member of the Kankanaey-Igorot Indigenous group in the Philippines, and IUCN’’s Anita Tzec, Maya Yucatec from Belize, highlight the importance of strengthening the leadership and capacities of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in preserving biodiversity.

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