My First Journey Beyond the Mountains: The Voice of an Indigenous Fellow on the Global Stage
Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence Jamie Wen Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence Jamie Wen

My First Journey Beyond the Mountains: The Voice of an Indigenous Fellow on the Global Stage

In this reflection, Luna Larrat, a Mapuche Indigenous leader from Argentina and member of the 2nd cohort of the ICI International Environmental Policy Fellowship, shares her experience participating in the IUCN World Conservation Congress and Indigenous Peoples Summit, reflecting on representing her community in global spaces and the importance of Indigenous leadership in international decision-making.

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Walking the Talk: Indigenous Leadership Advances Inclusive Conservation Worldwide
Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership Jamie Wen Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership Jamie Wen

Walking the Talk: Indigenous Leadership Advances Inclusive Conservation Worldwide

Discover how Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities across 10 territories in 12 countries are leading inclusive conservation through biocultural mapping, direct financing, and community-driven governance. The ICI Phase Three report reveals measurable impacts across more than 6 million hectares, proving that Indigenous leadership is delivering durable biodiversity and climate solutions worldwide.

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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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Historic Co-Governance Agreement for Villarrica National Park
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Type: Web Story, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Type: Web Story, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory Jamie Wen

Historic Co-Governance Agreement for Villarrica National Park

In December 2024, more than 13 Mapuche communities and the Chilean government signed a landmark co-governance agreement granting Indigenous Peoples formal territorial rights within Villarrica National Park. This unprecedented framework establishes a shared Governance and Management Council, setting a national precedent for inclusive conservation rooted in Indigenous worldview and stewardship.

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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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ICI kicks off International Environmental Policy Fellow Program
Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Geographies: Global, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Northern Tanzania Jamie Wen Makanisi: ICI Fellows, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Geographies: Global, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Northern Tanzania Jamie Wen

ICI kicks off International Environmental Policy Fellow Program

The Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) has launched its International Environmental Policy Fellow Program, empowering Indigenous leaders from Tanzania, Panama, Chile, DRC, and Kenya to strengthen leadership and negotiation skills in global environmental policy. Fellows will apply their knowledge to advance Indigenous-led conservation, gender equity, and community-driven governance in their territories.

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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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First phase of ICI implementation highlights importance of Indigenous-led conservation and need for increased funding
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, Makanisi: Exchanges, Makanisi: Global Steering Committee, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen 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, Makanisi: Exchanges, Makanisi: Global Steering Committee, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Inclusion: Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Global Applications: Replication & Global Influence, Global Applications: Largescale Finance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

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.

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World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2023: Her Land. Her Rights.
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2023: Her Land. Her Rights.

On this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the theme Her Land. Her Rights highlights the critical role of women in Indigenous communities and their heightened vulnerability to land degradation and water scarcity. Paine Makko of the Ujamaa Community Resource Team reflects on women’s leadership and resilience in her Maasai community, emphasizing the importance of supporting their rights and stewardship.

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World Oceans Day 2023: Indigenous and local coastal stewardship changing tides in marine conservation
Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Fiji Lau Seascape and Cook Islands, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Geographies: Fiji Lau Seascape and Cook Islands, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Territorial Management and Planning, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

World Oceans Day 2023: Indigenous and local coastal stewardship changing tides in marine conservation

On World Oceans Day 2023, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) highlights how Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Panama, Guatemala, and Fiji are leading the sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems. Through initiatives by Sotz’il and the Vanua o Lau, communities are strengthening traditional knowledge, governance, and livelihoods to protect biodiversity and address climate change impacts.

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International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: From agreement to action: Building back biodiversity through inclusive conservation
Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Geographies: Thailand, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Geographies: Thailand, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: From agreement to action: Building back biodiversity through inclusive conservation

On International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) highlights how Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are leading efforts to protect and restore biodiversity across Thailand, Chile, Argentina, and Tanzania. From safeguarding forests, watersheds, and sacred trees to securing ancestral lands, ICI-supported communities are applying traditional knowledge and rights-based approaches to sustain ecosystems and livelihoods.

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Earth Day 2023: Inclusive conservation invests in Indigenous and local women
Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Annapurna Area, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Annapurna Area, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Livelihoods and Indigenous Economies, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

Earth Day 2023: Inclusive conservation invests in Indigenous and local women

On Earth Day 2023, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) highlights how Indigenous and local women are leading natural resource management and conservation across the DRC, Nepal, and Meso-America. By strengthening governance, technical skills, and intergenerational knowledge transfer, ICI invests in women as key actors in sustainable, culturally grounded environmental stewardship.

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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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International Women’s Day 2023: Celebrating Indigenous women leaders in inclusive conservation
Geographies: Thailand, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Geographies: Thailand, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Inclusion: Gender Equality, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

International Women’s Day 2023: Celebrating Indigenous women leaders in inclusive conservation

On International Women’s Day 2023, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) celebrates Indigenous and local women as essential stewards of natural resources and biodiversity across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Meso-America. Through leadership roles, knowledge-sharing, and participation in decision-making, ICI empowers these women to drive inclusive conservation and strengthen community resilience.

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World Wildlife Day 2023: Inclusive conservation partnering to protect the incalculable value of wild fauna and flora
Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Fiji Lau Seascape and Cook Islands, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous Governance, Global Applications: Environmental Outcomes, Indigenous Centered Approaches: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Geographies: Futa Mawiza Biocultural Territory, Geographies: Northern Tanzania, Geographies: DR Congo, Geographies: Fiji Lau Seascape and Cook Islands, Geographies: Ewaso Ng’iro River Basin, Geographies: Ru K’ux Abya Yala, Type: Web Story Jamie Wen

World Wildlife Day 2023: Inclusive conservation partnering to protect the incalculable value of wild fauna and flora

On World Wildlife Day 2023, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) highlights Indigenous and local communities as custodians of wildlife and plant species across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Through traditional knowledge, community-led management, and legal protection of lands, ICI supports the preservation of endangered and culturally significant species such as the araucaria, tapir, ostrich, pangolin, elephant, gibbon, and kopeka.

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