David Flood appointed as new chair of the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee

FSC PIPC New Chairperson

FSC IF

It is our pleasure to announce the election of David Flood, PIPC Representative for North America, Canada, as Chairperson of the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee for the period of 2 years from 2026 – 2028.

The role of the PIPC is to be a global advisory committee to advise the FSC International Board on the FSC certification system, safeguard Indigenous Peoples’ rights, enhance forest management, and support Indigenous Peoples in building FSC certified forest stewardship, increasing their market share and value.

As part of how the PIPC operates, members elect a chair every two years to ensure continuity, shared leadership, and ongoing support for the committee’s work.

“It is with much gratitude that we receive David Flood as the new PIPC Chairperson. His election as Chair is an indication of how indigenous values guide the work of the PIPC, indigenous leadership has always been a shared role and PIPC has demonstrated this by electing David and ensuring continuity of leadership. We welcome David in his new role and look forward to working with him to ensure indigenous voices and values are clearly articulated and acted upon in FSC.” – Minnie

Reflections from David Flood

Stepping into Leadership:

David Flood is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and steps into the role of Chair with a strong awareness of the relationships that shape the PIPC’s work. Having been part of the committee for just over a year, he has focused on understanding how the PIPC interacts with the FSC Indigenous Foundation Council, the Secretariat, and FSC International governance. He sees the Chair’s role as helping to navigate and strengthen these connections, while ensuring that the PIPC remains an effective advisory body within the broader FSC system.

Further more, he recognizes that this responsibility extends beyond institutional coordination.

“We’re supposed to, across eight regions of the world, lead change in upholding UNDRIP and FPIC as it relates to the standard and the good governance in forestry and in the spirit of a reconciliation, at least in Canada, we use the word reconciliation. In other parts, it’s justice,” shares David.

His experience with FSC began in 2007, when he worked as an auditor under the Rainforest Alliance. One of his early assignments involved an Iisaak (Nuu-chah-nulth word meaning “respect or appreciate”) forest which was deemed to be 51% owned by Indigenous people. As David described, it was “the first of its kind forest tenure shift where the forest was owned by the Indigenous people,” emerging from sustained efforts to change how the land was managed.

While this transition represented an important milestone, the audit revealed that management practices had not evolved at the same pace. As he noted, “they just took the old name off and put a new name on, and they kept all the managers the same,” with the forest continuing to operate under industrial systems. This highlighted the gap between changes in ownership and meaningful shifts in governance and decision-making.

The audit process identified major non-conformances, which led to the suspension of the FSC certificate. Reflecting on this, David emphasized that “a suspension is a big deal,” underscoring both the rigor of the FSC system and the challenges involved in aligning practice with Indigenous-led approaches.

The experience became a defining moment in David’s engagement with FSC. It shaped his understanding of both the potential and the limitations of certification systems, and the importance of ensuring that Indigenous leadership is meaningfully reflected not only in ownership, but also in how forests are governed and managed over time.

In the years that followed, David remained engaged with FSC through standard development processes and governance roles, including his time on the FSC Canada Board and his membership in the Indigenous chamber in Canada for over a decade to date. These experiences contributed to his view of aligning FSC systems with Indigenous values, leadership, and decision-making.

Last year, in 2025, David stood alongside the Menominee People to celebrate a shared vision of forest stewardship, and participated in a side event at the FSC General Assembly in Panama on FSC’s Principle 3, while also engaging in Indigenous-led discussions around a fourth chamber within FSC, in proposed Motion 5.

Looking ahead: A shared vision

David sees the PIPC as a platform made up of Indigenous leaders who bring lived experience and a strong commitment to creating change. Supporting initiatives that reach communities on the ground remains central to this vision.

At the same time, he recognizes the broader context in which this work takes place. Efforts to uphold Indigenous Peoples’ rights are happening within complex global systems, where the scale of challenges often exceeds the reach of any single organization. Within this reality, the PIPC and the FSC Indigenous Foundation continue to play a focused but meaningful role, working together alongside FSC to help advance change and strengthen the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

The work is not only about governance, but about contributing to a larger movement.

As David expressed, it is about continuing to “shine the light in the darkness of colonialism,” while ensuring that “Indigenous Peoples remain a key component in FSC.”

David Flood, RPF

The election was conducted last 19 February 2026 with all members of the PIPC joining online. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Alina Santiago for serving as Chairperson for the past period.

“While 2025 was a difficult year for the Foundation, we were lucky to have you as the Chairperson of the PIPC. Your leadership helped us through a difficult phase and we hope that as we move forward you will continue to be there to provide advice. Thank you, and as my people say MABUHAY! (long live!)” – Minnie Degawan

International Women’s Day – March 8

Indigenous women, their rights, and Mother Nature’s protection

FSC IF

Across the world, women continue to lead change in their families, communities, and ecosystems. Among them, Indigenous women stand out as vital guardians of nature, holders of knowledge systems that sustain biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and help communities adapt to climate change. Yet their contributions are still too often overlooked in policy making, research, and public discourse.

International Women’s Day offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the inequalities women continue to face, but also to recognize their profound contributions to society and to the planet. In many Indigenous communities, women play central roles in sustaining cultural traditions while protecting the natural environments on which their communities depend.

As Indigenous leader Aissatou Ibrahim reflects on the meaning of the day:

“For me, International Women’s Day is simply a way of valuing even the little things that women do, even within the home. In the morning, it is she who wakes up earlier than everyone else, and it is she who goes to bed later than everyone else. Therefore, without women there is no life. Without women there is also no joy in the home. A house without a woman is like a house in darkness.”

Her words remind us that the everyday contributions of women, often invisible or undervalued, are fundamental to the well-being of families, communities, and societies.

When these contributions remain unseen, their knowledge is also excluded from environmental policies and conservation strategies. As a result, valuable opportunities to strengthen sustainable ecosystem management are lost.

Knowledge carriers and climate observers

In many Indigenous communities, women hold deep knowledge about plants, animals, weather patterns, and ecosystems. This knowledge is developed through generations of observation, experience, and cultural practice, and it plays an essential role in sustaining both livelihoods and biodiversity.

Aissatou describes the depth of this knowledge in her community:

“It is the woman who knows where to find herbs, trees, and leaves, whether for food, for healing, for teaching, or for expanding that knowledge and traditional wisdom.”

This understanding of nature extends far beyond the use of plants. Indigenous women closely observe seasonal changes, animal behavior, and environmental signals that help communities anticipate climate conditions.

As Aissatou explains:

“Women know how to predict the weather. When it will be hot, when it will rain, what the season will be like, whether it will be long or short, whether there will be floods or drought.”

These observations are vital in regions where livelihoods depend closely on natural cycles. Women often guide decisions about planting seasons, the use of natural resources, and the movement of animals, helping communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Challenges and pressures

Despite their essential role in environmental stewardship, Indigenous women continue to face significant challenges. Many Indigenous territories are increasingly threatened by deforestation, extractive industries, and land encroachment, placing both ecosystems and traditional livelihoods at risk.

At the same time, social inequalities and gender discrimination often limit women’s participation in environmental decision-making. Recognizing Indigenous women’s rights, including their land rights, cultural rights, and leadership in environmental governance, is therefore essential for both gender justice and biodiversity protection.

Indigenous identity and the future

Despite these challenges, Indigenous women continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and determination.

For Aissatou, Indigenous identity is a source of pride and strength:

“Being indigenous means having traditional knowledge and wisdom, having an identity, being connected to a territory in one way or another.”

This connection to land and culture shapes how Indigenous communities understand their responsibility to protect nature and sustain their way of life.

Aissatou also shares an inspiring message for younger generations:

“Young women, this message is for you. Be proud of who you are. Be very happy to be Indigenous, whatever your people, your country, or your origin.”

“Being indigenous is an opportunity that we must never let slip away, and we must care for and protect our community, our identity, our culture, and our traditional knowledge.”

Today, as we mark International Women’s Day, it is important to remember that the protection of nature and the advancement of women’s rights are deeply interconnected.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the FSC Indigenous Foundation recognize the vital role Indigenous women play in protecting forests, sustaining biodiversity, and strengthening community resilience. Learn more about how the FSC collaborates with Indigenous Peoples in various ways to create shared opportunities.

FSC-IF February Newsletter 2026

Highlights of the month and upcoming activities

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Across territories and regions, Indigenous leadership continues to shape climate and forest action, and February was a month of connection and collaboration that strengthened this shared commitment in the FSC Indigenous Foundation.

Indigenous Lands Symposium 2026 in Canada

The Indigenous Lands Symposium brought together leaders, Elders, youth, and partners from across Canada and beyond to center resurgence, restoration, and Indigenous rights in forest stewardship. The gathering created space for powerful dialogue on land governance, Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and the global relevance of Indigenous knowledge systems in addressing climate and biodiversity challenges.

A dedicated Indigenous exchange with FSC Australia and New Zealand further strengthened cross-regional relationships, as leaders shared experiences of asserting rights, advancing Care for Country, and leveraging tools such as FSC certification to support Indigenous-led stewardship. The week underscored the strength of international solidarity and the importance of learning from one another to advance Indigenous leadership worldwide.

At the symposium, the panel “Beyond the Boreal” featured FSC-IF managing director Minnie Degawan, FSC PIPC alternate for Oceania Tolita Davis-Angeles, and Indigenous leader Jacqueline Lorangi, who shared cross-regional perspectives and lessons from around the world, with Minnie providing an overview of the key global challenges facing Indigenous Peoples and forest stewardship, and Tolita speaking on “the impacts of colonisation and how this is limiting First Nations Care for Country and how mechanisms like Forest Stewardship Council certification present pathways to increase First Nations opportunities to implement Care for Country practices.”

Webinar on Community-Led Forest Economies

In the WRI webinar, Indigenous leaders from across regions reaffirmed that securing land rights, strengthening community forest governance, and ensuring direct access to climate finance are essential to advancing climate action, protecting biodiversity, and sustaining Indigenous-led economies.

Among the panelists in the webinar were Ms. Alina Santiago and Kalea Aquino, both Indigenous women from the FSC Indigenous Foundation, who shared outstanding community leadership stories in forest stewardship and beyond.

Watch the recording:

Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models

Indigenous women’s leadership continues to drive meaningful action in forest conservation. In the Emberá Purú community in Panama, leaders like Briceida Upua are strengthening local knowledge and stewardship of their territories. From January 22 to 25, FSC Indigenous Foundation, in coordination with Health in Harmony and If Not Us Then Who, facilitated community workshops to review bioacoustic monitoring results based on a biodiversity baseline established in their forests.

Listen to Briceida’s story:

Through this collaborative process, 211 species were validated, including 199 birds, five mammals, and seven amphibians. This marks a significant advancement in community-led biodiversity knowledge. The initiative reinforced the importance of forest conservation and upheld the community’s rights to manage and use this information under the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty, demonstrating the vital role Indigenous women play in safeguarding their lands and knowledge systems.

FSC-IF in GATC annual planning meeting

FSC Indigenous Foundation was honored to participate in the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities’ annual planning meeting for 2026, hosted in Panama by the Alianza Mesoamericana de Pueblos y Bosques and the territorial authorities of Guna Yala and Emberá from February 22nd to 27th.

Participants aligned key priorities for the year ahead, including governance and budget discussions, updates from member organizations, the Women’s and Youth Movements, the Shandia Platform, and the development of the 2026 strategy.

During the gathering, FSC-IF Managing Director Minnie Degawan underscored the urgent need for stronger Indigenous solidarity in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and shrinking civic space, emphasizing that no single organization can address these challenges alone. She reaffirmed FSC-IF’s commitment to collaboration with GATC, including joint fundraising, technical exchange, and practical support such as strengthening global alliances across regions.

Aissatou Ibrahim, FSC PIPC Representative for Francophone Afric, co-leader of the GATC Women’s Movement, and Deputy Coordinator of REPALEAC in Central Africa, highlighted the shared struggles faced by Indigenous communities across basins and raised concerns about the lack of dedicated funding for the Women’s Movement. She stressed that it’s a very serious problem because women are the core of the family, and the family is what makes up the community.

Research Spotlight

First Nations-led Circular Bioeconomies: Social and Economic Impacts and Social Perceptions

This report provides an in-depth analysis of First Nations-led circular bioeconomies in Australia, examining their social, economic, environmental, and cultural impacts. It captures the perspectives of various First Nations groups, emphasising their traditional responsibilities for caring for Country, preserving ancestral knowledge systems, and engaging in sustainable practices that support community wellbeing and environmental health.

Researchers: Tolita Davis-Angeles and Timothy McBride

Read the article

Upcoming activities in March:

20th Community-Based Adaptation Conference hosted by IIED

The 20th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change (CBA20) will be held from 11 to 14 May 2026 in Manila, Philippines, convening global practitioners to share lessons, strengthen partnerships, and advance locally led climate adaptation in practice.

Re-Earth Initiative’s Climate Policy Fellowship for Indigenous Youth

Re-Earth Initiative is proud to launch its Climate Policy Fellowship for Indigenous Youth. A year-long capacity-building and policy engagement program designed to support Indigenous youth in meaningfully engaging in international climate negotiations under the UNFCCC. Applications for the 2026 cohort open on March 2nd and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until March 16th.

Apply today!

We thank our allies and partners for their continued support and collaboration. We also invite financial institutions and organizations interested in investing in Indigenous nature-based solutions to connect with us so we can work together to strengthen Indigenous-led climate and forest action worldwide.

Oceania Regional meeting highlights

Indigenous leadership in Forest Stewardship

FSC IF

In January 2025, leaders, experts, and Indigenous representatives from across Oceania and beyond gathered for an important regional meeting focused on the future of forest stewardship. The event created a powerful space for collaboration, learning, and dialogue. At its heart was a shared goal: to strengthen Indigenous leadership and ensure that traditional knowledge stands alongside Western science in shaping sustainable forest management.

The meeting highlighted the role of the Forest Stewardship Council in the region, the work of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, and the importance of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) in advancing Indigenous rights within global forest governance. A key outcome of the gathering was the nomination and election of new PIPC representatives for Oceania, ensuring continued Indigenous representation in FSC’s decision-making processes.

Above all, the meeting reaffirmed a strong commitment to cultural respect, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent FPIC, and inclusive leadership.

Day 1: Foundations of Indigenous Leadership in Forest Stewardship

Day 1 began with a traditional Pōwhiri welcome ceremony and Karakia prayer, grounding the meeting in respect for Māori customs and Indigenous traditions. This opening set the tone for meaningful and culturally respectful dialogue.

Leaders from FSC International, the FSC Indigenous Foundation, and the PIPC shared opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous leadership and FPIC in forest governance.

Participants were introduced to the FSC system and its work in Oceania, including certification processes and regional priorities. The role of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee PIPC was highlighted, particularly its responsibility to advise the FSC Board of Directors on Indigenous rights and to advance an Indigenous Peoples Agenda within FSC.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation presented its mission to uphold Indigenous rights, strengthen forest stewardship, and promote Indigenous-led solutions.

A closing Karakia brought the first day to an end.

Day 1 video summary:

Day 2: Strengthening Collaboration and Engagement

Day 2 opened with a Karakia and focused on action, collaboration, and strengthening Indigenous participation.

Interactive sessions encouraged open dialogue and exchange of ideas. Speakers from New Zealand, Latin America, and other regions shared experiences on Indigenous leadership in forestry and inclusive forest strategies. Participants explored practical ways to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure Indigenous voices are fully integrated into FSC governance.

A key discussion centered on aligning regional strategies with FSC’s global priorities, reinforcing Indigenous rights, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge into ecosystem services and sustainable forest management.

One of the most important moments of the meeting was the nomination and election of new PIPC representatives for Oceania. Through a transparent and culturally respectful process, Te Ngaehe Wanikau was selected as the Principal Representative, and Tolita Davis as the Alternate Representative.

The meeting closed with a final Karakia, marking the end of two impactful days.

Day 2 video summary:

Day 3 Visit to TE POU O HINETAPEKA

On day 3, a visit to Te Pou o Hinetapeka was made.

Day 3 video summary:

Looking Ahead

This regional meeting was more than a gathering. It was a transformative step toward stronger Indigenous leadership in forest stewardship. By bringing together traditional knowledge and modern systems, the participants reinforced a shared vision: forests are not only resources, but living landscapes deeply connected to culture, identity, and future generations.

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