From Forest Guardians to Climate and Biodiversity Partners: Advancing Indigenous-Led Sustainable Forest Management
A Policy Brief Prepared by the FSC Indigenous Foundation
FSC IF
As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the FSC Indigenous Foundation is calling for a transformative shift in global climate governance, one that recognizes Indigenous Peoples not as mere stakeholders but as rightsholders and co-creators of solutions. Our new policy brief outlines how Indigenous-led forest management, rooted in traditional knowledge and collective governance, is essential to achieving climate, biodiversity, and sustainability goals. Indigenous Peoples protect and steward much of the planet’s remaining biodiversity, offering time-tested approaches to resilience, conservation, and sustainable living.
The brief emphasizes that Indigenous leadership must be integrated across four key policy areas: sustainable forest management, traditional knowledge, direct access to finance, and carbon and non-market approaches. It calls for policies that value Indigenous governance systems as models of sustainability, ensure Indigenous decision-making in forest and climate frameworks, and reform financial systems to provide direct, flexible access to funds. It also advocates for the recognition of Indigenous knowledge under the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) as equal to scientific knowledge, while protecting cultural and intellectual rights.
At the core of this message is a mindset shift: from inclusion to partnership, from consultation to co-leadership. Achieving true climate justice requires global recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, wisdom, and governance as central pillars of climate action. As the world looks toward COP30, the FSC Indigenous Foundation invites governments, institutions, and allies to stand with Indigenous Peoples as partners and leaders in creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.
For general inquiries, contact fsc.if@fsc.org. If you wish to contact our Managing Director, email Minnie Degawan at managingdirector.if@fsc.org, a Kankanaey-Igorot woman from the Philippines. For communications or media collaborations, contact Maria De Leon at m.deleon@fsc.org, Head of Communications and a Guna woman from Panama.
The Forest Stewardship Council and FSC Indigenous Foundation at COP30
COP30, Belem, Brazil
FSC IF
Find us at COP 30
Given the urgency of the climate crisis, the historic opportunity for forest and climate decision-making, and the significance of being present and advocating for forest stewardship and nature-based solutions while some stakeholders are stepping back, FSC and the FSC Indigenous Foundation will be attending COP 30.
To ensure the most effective engagement, our delegation will rotate badges throughout the conference. We invite you to contact our delegates in advance or during the event to arrange a meeting.
FSC
Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General, FSC
Sharon London, Partnerships Director, FSC I&P
Anand Punja, Director of Stakeholder Relations, FSC
Elson Fernandes, Executive Director, FSC Brasil
Niamh Brannigan, Head of Communications, FSC
Patrick Epie, Coordinator, Congo Basin and West Africa, FSC Africa
FSC Indigenous Foundation
Minnie Degawan, Managing Director, FSC Indigenous Foundation
Nadia Gomez, FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee Representative for South America
Olga Kostrova, FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee Representative for Russia
Carlos Blandon, Community Development Program Leader, FSC Indigenous Foundation
Maria De Leon, Head of Communications, FSC Indigenous Foundation
Join us at side events
FSC is hosting and participating in key events at COP30 — including the Forest Pavilion, the Indigenous Pavilion, the World Climate Foundation Summit, the Global Landscapes Forum Climate 2025, the pre-COP30 Symposium, and more, showcasing how responsible forest stewardship drives climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development worldwide.
Panel 4: Verified Impact of Ecosystem Services — Bridging Data, Risk and Finance: This panel explores how verified forest data can drive impact through credible claims, inform financial risk assessments, and strengthen due diligence systems. Experts will discuss the role of third-party verification, emerging data methodologies, and how data-driven approaches can help companies and financial institutions manage forestry-related risks and co-invest with confidence.
10 November | 14:00-18:00 | Forest Pavilion – Blue Zone
Forests and Bioeconomy: Timber, NTFPs, circular economy, bioeconomy innovations, biotech
Co-creating a Thriving Forest Bioeconomy: This United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) side event brings together FSC Brazil, the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Government of Austria to explore how collaboration and verified data can drive a sustainable and inclusive forest bioeconomy.
11 November | 17:55-18:55 | Indigenous Peoples Pavilion – Blue Zone
From Panama to Belém: Strengthening Coordination Across the Rio Conventions Through Indigenous-Led Frameworks– FSC Indigenous Foundation
Follow-up Session This session builds on the CBD’s SB8J-01 meeting held in Panama in October 2025, continuing discussions on coordination among the three Rio Conventions—Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Desertification—from Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives. In collaboration with Nia Tero, IWGIA, the UNCCD Indigenous Caucus, IIFB, and IIPFCC, the session will focus on turning previous recommendations into concrete, Indigenous-led strategies, identifying joint priorities, and strengthening Indigenous leadership in global environmental governance.
12 November | 10:00-12:00 | Forest Pavilion – Blue Zone
Upholding the Role of Indigenous Peoples in Forest Stewardship: Access to Tools and Direct Funding Mechanisms
This session highlights the vital role of Indigenous Peoples as guardians of forests and biodiversity. Experts from the FSC Indigenous Foundation, The Tenure Facility, and the Green Climate Fund will showcase Indigenous leadership in forest stewardship, share successes and challenges, and explore pathways to strengthen direct funding mechanisms and inclusive decision-making for Indigenous-led conservation.
Moderator: Maria de Leon, FSC Indigenous Foundation
12 November | 15:00-16:30 | Side Event Room 6 – Blue Zone
Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ direct access to Climate Finance – UNFF & FSC Indigenous Foundation
This COP30 side event, organized by the Tenure Facility in partnership with CIPRED, the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), and Tebtebba, explores strategies to strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ direct access to climate finance. The discussion will feature Myrna Cunningham Kain (Pawanka Fund), Dr. Pasang Dolma Sherpa (CIPRED), Kimaren Ole Riamit (ILEPA), Helen Magata (ELATIA & Tebtebba), Maria De Leon (FSC Indigenous Foundation – FSC-IF), Eleni Kyrou (Green Climate Fund – GCF), Leif John Fosse (Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative – NICFI), Yuli Prasetyo Nugroho (Ministry of Environment & Forestry, Indonesia), Dewi Suralaga (Climate and Land Use Alliance – CLUA), and Terena Peres de Castro (GEF Small Grants Programme – SGP Brazil), moderated by Nonette Royo (Tenure Facility). Together, they will discuss pathways to increase Indigenous-led access to climate finance, align mechanisms like the GCF with forest and tenure pledges, and move beyond the current 1% of funds reaching Indigenous Peoples.
13 November | 10:30-12:00 | Nature Hub Pavilion – Blue Zone
Nature in Supply Chains – Round table discussion on technical and operational challenges and solutions to integrating nature-related challenges into supply chains: This session will explore how companies can identify, manage, and mitigate nature-related risks and dependencies across their supply chains.
Moderator: Jack Hurd, World Economic Forum
Panellists: Angela Pinhati (Natura), Sharon London (FSC Investment & Partnerships), Dan Nepstad (Earth Innovation Institute)
14 November | 11:05-11:35 | Assembléia Paraense, Belém, Brazil
Fireside Chat 4B: Governance Models for Forest Stewardship in Practice: This session will explore how inclusive governance models empower Indigenous Peoples and local communities to lead forest stewardship by integrating rights, knowledge, and priorities into policy and land management. Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), will share how FSC’s governance system demonstrates shared leadership in practice.
14 November | 11:15-12:15 | Standards Pavilion – Blue Zone
The Role of International Sustainability Standards and Trade
This roundtable will bring together experts from ISO, the United Nations, governments, FSC Indigenous Foundation, academia, and the private sector to discuss how international standards can enhance environmental ambition, strengthen trade resilience, and drive real-world impact.
Elson Fernandes (FSC Brazil) will present how FSC certification supports sustainability and innovation in the civil construction sector, promoting responsible sourcing.
14 November | 15:30-16:15 | Forest Pavilion – Blue Zone
Are forests contributing to your NDCs the way you thought they would?
Join this COP30 Forest Pavilion session for a discussion on the trade-offs between short-term climate goals and long-term forest resilience in boreal and temperate regions. Speakers include James Lloyd (Nature4Climate, Moderator), Anand Punja (FSC), Kate Lindsay (FPAC), and Deger Saygin (OECD).
14 November | 17:00-18:00 | CNI Pavilion – Blue Zone
From Data to Decision: The Power of Traceability
15 November | 10:00-11:00 | Forest Pavilion – Blue Zone
Grand Opening United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)
The Grand Opening of the UNFF at the Forest Pavilion will bring together high-level leaders to underscore the vital role of forests and Indigenous Peoples in advancing global climate and biodiversity goals. Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig of Austria’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Minister Sonia Guajajara of Brazil’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, and Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), will open the event and set the stage for collaborative action toward sustainable forest stewardship.
15 November | 16:40-17:40 | Indigenous Peoples Pavilion – Blue Zone
From Rights to Partnerships: Working together for Nature – FSC Indigenous Foundation
This COP30 Indigenous Peoples Pavilion session in Belém, Brazil, will spotlight Indigenous-led partnerships and innovations driving measurable, community-defined impacts for climate, biodiversity, and cultural values. As a follow-up to New York Climate Week, the discussion will highlight how Indigenous leadership is setting new standards for nature-positive and net-zero aligned economies, offering corporations and investors credible pathways for collaboration and impact.
The panel will feature Minnie Degawan as moderator (FSC Indigenous Foundation – FSC-IF), Grace Balawag (Tebtebba), and Fermín Chimatani Tayori (National Association of Executors of the Communal Reserves Administration Contract – ANECAP) as panelists. Together, they will explore Indigenous-led approaches to governance, finance, and innovation that strengthen partnerships for people and planet.
17 November | 9:00-10:15 | Action on Food Hub (EIT) – Blue Zone
Opening Plenary: How to really fix the climate: The opening plenary will unite global leaders to explore practical climate solutions grounded in Indigenous knowledge, science, and technology. Speakers — including Niels Annen (BMZ, Germany), Éliane Ubalijoro (CIFOR-ICRAF), Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee (FSC), José Renato (University of Bonn), Kumi Naidoo (Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Africans Rising), and Amy Duchelle (FAO) — will discuss how collaboration can drive adaptation, strengthen Rio Convention synergies, and accelerate climate action.
17 November | 11:30-12:30 | Francophonie Pavilion – Blue Zone
Nature-based solutions to preserve the model of sustainable management of tropical forests in Central Africa: the case of Gabon
18 November | 14:00-14:50 | Forest Pavilion – Blue Zone
Session 5 – Central African Forests at the Heart of Global Climate Action: Joint Action, Financing and Prospects towards 2025-2030
This high-level expert panel, convened during the UNFF Forest Congo Basin Day, will bring together leading institutions — COMIFAC, the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), and GIZ — to explore the future of the Congo Basin’s forests.
20 November | 15:20-16:35 | AgriZone Auditorium 3 (Embrapa)
In this session, Elson Fernandes (FSC Brazil) will present how FSC’s Verified Impact solution connects the valuation of ecosystem services—such as carbon storage, water regulation, and biodiversity protection—with business strategies, driving sustainability and delivering measurable benefits for nature and people.
20 November | 15:20-16:35 | Side EventRoom 7 – Blue Zone
Community-Led Forest Economies: Shifting Policy and Finance for People, Nature, and Climate
Organized by the UNFCCC and the World Resources Institute (WRI), this high-level session will highlight the shift from extractive models to community empowerment, connecting evidence, lived experience, and policy. Indigenous and women leaders, scientists, and policy partners from the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia — including representatives from the FSC Indigenous Foundation — will identify next steps beyond COP30 to align policy, finance, and culture in scaling equitable, nature-based forest solutions for 2026 and beyond.
FSC will also be unveiling an exciting new partnership that opens fresh opportunities for sustainable forest management. Don’t miss this chance to discover impactful initiatives shaping the future of our forests.
If you are interested in our speakers for other events, please get in touch with Sharon London at s.london@fsc.org.
If you want to contact the FSC Indigenous Foundation, please email fsc.if@fsc.org with copy to managingdirector.if@fsc.org.
Climate Week NYC 2025: From Rights to Partnerships – Working with Indigenous Peoples for Nature
FSC Indigenous Foundation at Climate Week New York 2025
FSC IF
We’re heading to New York for Climate Week NYC (September 21–28), joining hundreds of partners and Indigenous leaders to accelerate real, nature-positive climate action. 2025 is a pivotal year on the road to COP30 in Brazil, and this moment helps us build momentum for our joint advocacy for Indigenous-led solutions and funding opportunities.
Our participation at Climate Week in the Nature Hub
Our participation includes two sessions at the Nature Hub in New York designed to share practical approaches for scaling Indigenous-led climate and biodiversity solutions:
From Rights to Partnerships: Working with Indigenous Peoples for Nature
This one-hour dialogue, hosted by the FSC Indigenous Foundation on September 23rd, will challenge the prevailing narrative around Indigenous Peoples’ rights. For years, many international declarations have affirmed these rights, yet implementation often falls short. Our session calls on the private sector, governments, and philanthropic organizations to move beyond symbolic recognition and toward genuine partnerships that uphold rights while tackling the environmental crisis we face.
We will also examine common barriers that stakeholders encounter when engaging with Indigenous communities, such as navigating diverse cultural and social norms, or knowing who to consult with, amongst other things. Alongside these challenges, we will highlight success stories where partnerships have delivered lasting and sustainable solutions. The discussion will show how collaboration, equitable financing and high-integrity data can drive investment in community-led nature-based solutions.
From Rights to Partnerships: Partnerships for Success — Corporate/Indigenous Learning Circle
In this Nature4Climate (N4C) roundtable, we will participate as panelists together with Indigenous leaders, businesses and investors. The conversation will explore how to co-create strategies for conservation and climate resilience that go beyond compliance. It will present funding models, co-governance frameworks and practical examples that demonstrate how companies and Indigenous communities can work together to protect ecosystems, strengthen climate action and build trust-based, enduring partnerships.
Our presence at Climate Week NYC is strengthened through our close collaboration with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Together, we are advancing a shared vision: forests and Indigenous Peoples are vital to solving the climate and biodiversity crises. We stand alongside partners who champion sustainable forest management, credible certification systems, and innovative tools such as FSC Verified Impact.
Through joint efforts at the Nature Hub and coordinated advocacy throughout Climate Week, we’re demonstrating how inclusive governance, trusted data, and high-integrity standards can unlock funding and partnerships that deliver for people, forests, and the planet.
Request for Consulting Services: Execution of Communications Activities for the FSC Indigenous Foundation
Support the implementation of the FSC-IF global communications strategy
FSC IF
Introduction
The FSC Indigenous Foundation invites interested and qualified indigenous persons to submit proposals for a consultancy on the execution of communications activities. This assignment will support the implementation of the organization’s global communication strategy through content production, visibility actions, and stakeholder engagement.
📄 We recommend carefully reviewing the full Terms of Reference and downloading the annex with the General Conditions of the contract available at the end of this publication.
🌿 About the FSC Indigenous Foundation
The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is a global non-profit organization created by and for Indigenous Peoples. It promotes sustainable forest management and the defense of collective rights globally. FSC-IF works with Indigenous Peoples in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to foster self-determination, strengthen governance systems, and protect territories by integrating traditional knowledge into development solutions.
💡 Disclaimer
This call is open to indigenous persons worldwide. Applicants must be bilingual and fluent in English; additional languages are considered an asset. Selected consultants should also be flexible with their schedules to attend online meetings, as the FSC Indigenous Foundation’s office is based in Panama City, Central America (time zone: UTC-05:00).
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution
FSC INDIGENOUS FOUNDATION
1. CONTRACT CONDITIONS
Name: Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution – FSC Indigenous Foundation.
Type of consulting: Consulting agreement with payments tied to the deliverables specified in the payments and deliverables section.
Contract period: October – November
Location: Remote
Person in charge: Direct reporting to the Head of Communications at the FSC Indigenous Foundation
2. INFORMATION ABOUT THE FSC INDIGENOUS FOUNDATION
In 2019, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) established the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) as the operational office of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC). FSC-IF, a private interest foundation under Panamanian law, exists to secure Indigenous Peoples’ rights and promote sustainable forest-based solutions across 300 million hectares of Indigenous forests.
We are Indigenous Peoples, guided by ancestral knowledge, practices, values, and respect for Mother Earth. We provide Indigenous-led solutions to global challenges by integrating Indigenous values, rights, livelihoods, ecosystem services, and territories into forest governance, climate change policies, and market systems.
Our work is guided by Indigenous values:
Respect for Mother Earth – recognizing our duty as caretakers of lands, waters, and ecosystems for future generations.
Respect for Ancestral Knowledge – honoring our ancestors by sustainably managing resources and valuing traditional wisdom.
3. CONTEXT
Communications play a vital role in amplifying Indigenous voices, raising awareness of Indigenous-led solutions, and strengthening FSC-IF’s presence at global, regional, and local levels. The Communications Unit works to develop and implement culturally appropriate communication strategies, enhance visibility, and promote Indigenous Peoples’ narratives in global dialogues on forests, climate change, and rights.
The Communications Consultant will provide support to the Head of Communications, ensuring timely content creation, and logistical support for communication products. This role will strengthen the visibility of FSC-IF programs, projects, and initiatives through consistent and culturally sensitive communications.
4. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTING
General Objective The Communications Consultant will support the FSC-IF Communications Unit in the implementation of the global communication strategy by assisting with content production, visibility actions, and stakeholder engagement.
Specific Objectives
Assist with the preparation of communication materials, including a policy brief, and a report.
Help monitor media mentions, digital trends, and analytics to inform communication efforts.
5. ACTIVITIES
The Consultant will assist the head of communications in the following deliverables:
Policy brief, for use by FSC-IF and FSC PIPC for UNFCCC CoP30 that details the official agenda items of importance to IPLCs, what to expect and how to effectively participate.
Assist in drafting a communication material: a summarized and concise report.
COP30 activities report (summary version): 4-8 pages, a concise COP30 activities report (text-focused, light on design)
6.1. QUOTATION:
We invite interested parties to submit letters of interest including a quotation of the cost of services based on the outlined deliverables. Deadline for submission of such will be on September 25th this document “Terms of Reference: Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution for FSC-IF.” Please include the taxes for this work in case it’s necessary.
6.2. PERIOD:
The contract will run from October through November; however, it is deliverable-based rather than time-bound. Payment will be issued upon submission and acceptance of the agreed deliverables.
6.3. PAYMENT METHOD:
Bank transfer locally and internationally.
Payments remain tied to the successful submission of deliverables and reports.
7. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED SKILLS
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience in communications, preferably in Indigenous, environmental, or development sectors.
Ideally bilingual: Strong skills in writing, editing, and translating (English and/or Spanish required; proficiency in Indigenous or other languages is an asset).
Strong organizational and coordination skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively in multicultural environments.
Sensitivity and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, values, and perspectives.
Active members of Indigenous Peoples are encouraged to apply.
8. HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are invited to send their CV, LinkedIn profile link (if any), Quotation, and Motivation Letter to procurement.fscif@fsc.org by September 25th at 17:00 Panama Time.
Subject line: Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution – FSC Indigenous Foundation
9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
All materials, content, and outputs produced during this consultancy will remain the property of the FSC Indigenous Foundation.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
The consultant agrees to maintain confidentiality of all information and materials obtained during the consultancy and not to disclose them without prior authorization from FSC-IF.
11. CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed to FSC-IF management, which will determine appropriate measures to resolve it.
