June News & Indigenous leadership

Advancing Indigenous leadership at global climate engagements

FSC IF

FSC Indigenous Foundation Recognized by Premios Verdes

The FSC Indigenous Foundation’s pilot project, Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models, was recognized among the Top 500 sustainability initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean by Premios Verdes. Developed with Indigenous communities in Darién, Panama, the project promotes sustainable livelihoods through Indigenous-led nature-based solutions.

Strengthening Indigenous Perspectives in FSC

In parallel with the 49th Annual National Indian Timber Symposium in Keshena, Wisconsin, the FSC Indigenous Foundation hosted a meeting for nominating the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) member of the U.S. region.

Coordinated by Satnam Manhas and team, alongside PIPC Chair David Flood, with participation from Lorraine Rekmans (FSC International Board member), the gathering brought together Indigenous leaders to learn more about the FSC, the role of the PIPC as an advisory committee within FSC, and the importance of Indigenous leadership in responsible forest stewardship.

There were stories shared by the Canadian Indigenous attendees about their experience with FSC, sparking thoughtful discussions.

At the end of the meeting, U.S. Indigenous participants determined a nomination process that reflected their own community values and decision-making traditions, reinforcing the importance of self-determination in Indigenous governance.

The meeting strengthened relationships and encouraged knowledge sharing across regions.

GEF Assembly, Uzbekistan

“Conservation finance must be decolonized to ensure lasting impact.” — Minnie Degawan, Kankanaey-Igorot.

At the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Minnie joined a global dialogue on strengthening inclusive biodiversity finance and ensuring resources reach Indigenous Peoples and local communities on the ground.

The discussion explored what a rights-based approach to biodiversity finance looks like in practice, how meaningful participation can be strengthened in decision-making processes, and how the effectiveness of biodiversity finance can be measured beyond project approvals and financial delivery.

Organizers: CBD Women, Global Youth Biodiversity Network, and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity.

Indigenous leadership at the UNFCCC SB64

FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSCIF) participated in the 15th Session of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG 15) of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) and the 64th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) during the month of June.
Critical discussions happened on equitable climate finance, Indigenous Peoples’ participation in decision-making, traditional knowledge systems, rights-based approaches to climate data, and pathways to end deforestation.

Hindou Ibrahim’s clear message during discussions on the COP30 Brazil Presidency Roadmap to Halt and Reverse Deforestation and Forest Degradation by 2030

“The Roadmap should help translate the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ roles into practical delivery.”

Read her:

Message

London Climate Action Week LCAW

London Climate Action Week (LCAW) is a key moment in the global climate calendar, bringing together governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and shape the climate agenda between COPs. It is essential that Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives are part of these conversations, as their knowledge, leadership, and rights are critical to advancing effective and equitable climate solutions.

This week, Minnie is participating in several meetings and dialogues throughout LCAW, including discussions on the three Rio Conventions and the importance of a more integrated approach to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and land degradation through Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives.

Stay tuned next week for Minnie’s reflections on the three Rio Conventions!

Call for Futures 2027: Youth Voices for a Better Future

The Voice of Future Generations (VoFG) launched the Call for Futures 2027, inviting young people worldwide to share ideas and solutions for a more sustainable future. The initiative encourages youth engagement in global discussions on environmental stewardship, social justice, and intergenerational collaboration.
Deadline: June 30, 2026

Submit a story!

OTHER NEWS

Call for Nominations

Join the FSC Indigenous Foundation Council

FSC IF

Call for Nominations – FSC-IF Council Member

The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is pleased to open a call for nominations for one member of its governing Council for a three-year term starting in 2026.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is an indigenous-led organization that seeks to support and work with and for Indigenous Peoples worldwide by creating Indigenous-based solutions to strengthen self-determined and sustainable resource management of Indigenous territories throughout the Planet and is governed by a Council composed of leaders from Indigenous Peoples organizations from Asia/Oceania, Latin America, North America and Africa who serve in their individual capacities. The Council sets the strategic direction of the Foundation and supports its fundraising efforts. The FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) is an Indigenous Global Governance Platform acting as an advisory body on Indigenous issues to the FSC Board of Directors. One of the roles of PIPC is to nominate members of the Council of the FSC Indigenous Foundation to the FSC Board of Directors.

This call is intended to identify a candidate who is recognized by Indigenous Peoples globally, demonstrates strong commitment to collective rights, and can represent regional perspectives in global forest fora. This call is for a representative from Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Purpose of the seat

The nominated candidate will contribute to the Indigenous Council by bringing perspectives from Indigenous Peoples into FSC-IF discussions.

Advising on FSC-IF policies, standards, and decisions that affect Indigenous Peoples and their forests.

Supporting communication between FSC-IF governance bodies and Indigenous constituencies.

Helping ensure that FSC-IF Vision and Mission reflect Indigenous rights, self-determination, and culturally grounded decision-making consistent with collective rights and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Eligibility and Selection Process and other announcement package

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must meet all the following criteria:

Be an Indigenous person, preferably from a forest community.

Be formally endorsed by an Indigenous organization, council, network, or legitimate traditional authority.

Have demonstrated experience in Indigenous rights, forest governance, land and territorial issues, biodiversity, or related advocacy.

Be able to represent a regional perspective and consult regularly with Indigenous constituencies.

Be available to participate in online meetings and, where required, in-person meetings related to the Indigenous Council.

Be willing to uphold confidentiality, transparency, and conflict-of-interest standards.

Desired attributes

Preference may be given to candidates who demonstrate:

Strong knowledge of FSC and/or forest certification issues.

Experience in regional or international advocacy spaces.

Must be able to communicate in any of the languages of FSC – English, Spanish, French. Ability to read and speak in English is preferred but not mandatory. (Most of the documents of the Foundation are in English but interpretation is provided in meetings.)

Commitment to gender balance, youth inclusion, and intergenerational dialogue.

Ability to work collaboratively across diverse Indigenous Peoples and organizations.

Ability to support the FSC-IF in fundraising, strategic partnerships, and institutional stability.

Nomination package

Each nomination should include:

CV (full name of the nominee, Indigenous Peoples/community affiliation and contact information)

A nomination letter or resolution of support from an Indigenous Peoples Organization

A statement from the nominee describing their motivation and relevant experience.

Any relevant information on existing leadership roles or potential conflicts of interest.

Selection process

Nominations will be reviewed through a transparent process guided by Indigenous Peoples’ representation principles including fairness, regional balance, legitimacy, and accountability

The selection process may include:

Screening for eligibility and completeness.

Review by an Indigenous-led selection group or advisory panel.

Consultation with regional Indigenous networks, where appropriate.

The nominations will be reviewed by the PIPC and they will make the final recommendation to the FSC Board who will then make the appointment, our timeline is as follows:

26 July 2026: deadline to receive candidacy.

5 August 2026: PIPC meeting to decide on the candidate to be nominated.

10 August 2026: Send all material to FSC Director General to be evaluated by the FSC BOD.

FSC BOD makes the appointment.

Candidate joins the Council.

Key selection principles

The selection of the Council member will prioritize:

Community legitimacy and clear constituency backing.

Representation of Indigenous Peoples from one of the regions of PIPC.

Balance across gender, generation, and geographic diversity.

Accountability to Indigenous constituencies.

Integrity, independence, and commitment to Indigenous rights.

Term and responsibilities

The representative is expected to serve for the agreed term set by FSC-IF governance arrangements and to remain accountable to the constituency throughout the mandate. Responsibilities include regular communication with Indigenous constituencies, participation in council meetings, and timely reporting on key decisions and issues.

How to submit a nomination

Please submit the complete nomination package by 26 July 2026 (5:00pm Panama) to fsc.if@fsc.org with subject line as “Nomination – FSCIF Council Member.” Incomplete nominations may not be considered.

For questions regarding this call, please contact fsc.if@fsc.org.

Equal opportunity and accessibility

FSC-IF encourages nominations from women, youth, elders, and representatives of underrepresented Indigenous Peoples. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to support participation in the nomination and selection process.

Read and download the call for nominations.

Top 500 sustainability projects in Premios Verdes

Boosting Indigenous Nature-based Businesses Models

FSC IF

The pilot project “Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models” has been selected as one of the Top 500 sustainability projects in Latin America and the Caribbean by Premios Verdes. We celebrate this news together with our Emberá-Wounaan brothers and sisters from Darién, Panama.

The project is led by the FSC Indigenous Foundation and the IDB Lab (the Inter-American Development Bank’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab), with support from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Health in Harmony (HiH).

Forest Health and Indigenous Peoples

The project focuses on a specific group of Indigenous communities, where, through a biodiversity monitoring system supported by artificial intelligence, 211 high-value species (9 of which are endangered) were identified, including 199 birds, five mammals, and seven amphibians, representing a significant advance in local knowledge of the biodiversity present in community forests.

This initiative supported the Emberá-Wounaan peoples in sharing their knowledge about forest health and the importance of the species that inhabit their territories. In this context, Muriche Cheucarama, leader of the Puerto Lara community, noted: “With this knowledge, the people must take further steps to meet their goals and achieve greater sustainability through the forest. Everything that is being done is for the benefit of the community.”

Co-creation of an innovative label

At the heart of the initiative is the creation of a distinctive label that recognizes the contributions of Indigenous Cultural Landscapes and helps connect Indigenous products and services with consumers and markets that value culture, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. To support its development, FSC-IF has begun working with Indigenous focus groups to ensure that the label reflects Indigenous perspectives, priorities, and realities.

Community Thriving Narrative

In addition, the project incorporates the Community Well-being Narrative as a key component of the monitoring system, in partnership with HiH, If Not Us Then Who, and Ulu Films, with the aim of gathering and presenting a qualitative account of community well-being as told by Indigenous Peoples themselves.

As part of this initiative, the communities produced videos based on the topics of greatest local interest. In Puerto Lara, the video addressed the issue of access to drinking water; in Alto Playón, the narrative focused on the impact of migration on local livelihoods; and in Arimae and Embera Puru, the video documented the impacts experienced during the protests against Law 462 in 2025 in Panama.

This process also helped build local capacity in the use of audiovisual tools as a means of expression, documentation, and community outreach. As young Samuel Cheucarama from the community of Puerto Lara put it, “We never thought this could happen—to see the video we recorded ourselves.” He added, “We learned a lot, and there were some points that really struck me, because just imagine that with videos alone we can create a story, record it, and publish it. Plus, this town is a tourist destination, and there are organizations we can support through this.”

Self-determination and Indigenous Rights

All of this work is carried out in accordance with the principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), data sovereignty, and respect for Indigenous rights, combining innovation and ancestral knowledge in digital solutions validated by the Indigenous Peoples themselves.

Other initiatives, such as the community of practice, create a space for learning among Indigenous Peoples, which becomes a key tool for identifying their own paths to development, while strengthening community governance and the capacity to make long-term decisions.

Another key component of the project is participatory long-term economic planning through the FSC Economic Viability Tool. This process helps communities identify opportunities and challenges, and make collective, data-based decisions that increase their well-being.

Learn more about the project

May News and Highlights

Indigenous voices in Santa Marta, New York, Cambridge (UK)

FSC IF

“For us, biodiversity is life,” Minnie Degawan

From safeguarding forests and mountains to nurturing sustainable food systems, Indigenous communities have long been stewards of nature through ancestral wisdom and deep responsibility to the land.

A Call for Integrated Action on Climate, Biodiversity, and Land Crises
Explore the need for stronger collaboration across the Rio Conventions. Indigenous leadership and knowledge are essential for addressing climate, biodiversity, and land crises through integrated solutions.