Indigenous leadership for lands, forests, and territories

Central African Indigenous leaders gather for training on advocacy, leadership, communication, and project management in Douala, Cameroon.

FSC-IF

Central Africa’s forest ecosystems are home to exceptional biodiversity, offering vast potential for the socio-economic development of the region. Recognizing the ecological and economic importance of these forests—and the growing threats they face—the Heads of State of Central Africa pledged in March 1999 through the “Yaoundé Declaration” to work collaboratively towards the conservation and sustainable management of their countries’ forest ecosystems. This commitment supports the economic and social development efforts of their populations.

In line with this vision, the Network of Indigenous and Local Populations for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems in Central Africa (REPALEAC) was established in 2003. As a key partner under the FSC Indigenous Foundation’s Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program, REPALEAC serves as a sub-regional platform for promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) across Central Africa. The network unites over 200 grassroots Indigenous community organizations, spread across eight national networks in Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Chad.

From 26-30 August 2024, REPALEAC, in collaboration with the FSC Indigenous Foundation, hosted an intensive training workshop in Douala, Cameroon, with 50 representatives from its member organizations to strengthen the organizational and operational capacities of the network.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in sessions designed to:

Enhance their knowledge of leadership, advocacy techniques, organizational communication, and project management principles.
Equip them with the technical skills necessary for collecting data on land tenure within Indigenous territories. This includes training on cartography, participatory mapping—particularly three-dimensional mapping—and the creation of databases to document the areas occupied by Indigenous Peoples in Central Africa.
Provide a deeper understanding of FSC standards related to Indigenous Peoples and the relationship between FSC and the FSC-IF, as well as USAID guidelines and policies concerning Indigenous Peoples. The workshop also explored the integration of Indigenous rights and priorities in USAID’s bilateral cooperation programs with states.

The workshop’s opening ceremony was graced by the Vice President of REPALEAC, highlighting the significance of the event for the region’s Indigenous communities.

“The forests of Central Africa are not just natural resources; they are the lifeblood of our communities, sustaining our way of life and our cultural heritage,” stated a representative from REPALEAC during the opening remarks.

“This workshop is a crucial step towards ensuring that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are at the forefront of decisions affecting their lands and resources,” said another REPALEAC representative.

REPALEAC members were curious to understand how USAID works with organizations such as the FSC-IF.

“For Indigenous Peoples, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is important because it is the right to self-determination; opportunities for socioeconomic development and benefit-sharing; safeguarding against adverse impacts on lands, territories, natural resources, cultural heritage and/or sacred sites; supporting and aligning with Indigenous development plans and fulfilling obligations under international, regional and national regulatory frameworks,” said Vy Lam, USAID Indigenous Peoples Advisor.

The workshop focused on implementing REPALEAC’s strategic plan, which has four key objectives:

Securing Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ lands, vision territories, and natural resources.

Ensuring IPLC participation in decisions concerning access to and sustainable management of land, forests, and natural resources at local, national, and international levels.

Increasing and consolidating sustainable economic benefits for IPLCs from the management of natural resources and forests.

Improving the living conditions of IPLCs sustainably.

“We are very grateful to the FSC-IF for the ongoing training in Douala. The module on ‘Leadership’ will surely bear fruit where the leadership of the network at the national level will demonstrate quality organizations.” said Basiru Isa, the REPALEAC’s Secretary General.

“Empowering our communities with knowledge and skills is essential for us to effectively protect our lands and assert our rights,” remarked one of the participants.

“This workshop is not just about learning; it’s about preparing to take action in our respective countries,” said another REPALEAC representative.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants drafted action plans to implement the knowledge they acquired to make a tangible impact in their home countries.

In her closing remarks, Salina Sanou, FSC-IF Regional Director for Africa and Asia stated, “FSC-IF is pleased to be your partner of choice. We’re here to support you every step of the way. We’re also ready to learn from you because that’s what partnership is all about. Call on us any time. Our commitment to Indigenous Peoples knows no bounds.”

As we left this gathering, FSC-IF called for a working committee to co-create new initiatives with us for funding to scale up work with Indigenous Peoples in the African region.

This workshop is part of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program, supported by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council, and private sector partners.

New toolkit unlocks accessible support for Indigenous entrepreneurs

We create a toolkit to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in entrepreneurship support for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

FSC-IF

The FSC Indigenous Foundation and Impact Hub have collaborated to create a unique toolkit to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in entrepreneurship support for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This initiative leverages Impact Hub’s expertise and the FSC-IF’s extensive experience working with Indigenous Peoples’ organizations (IPOs).

Bringing together diverse business support organizations, Indigenous businesses, IPOs, and global Impact Hubs, the project co-developed a methodology that ensures an Indigenous perspective for optimal entrepreneurial support. Over seven months, this global Community of Practice created the “Toolkit for Inclusive and Relevant Business Support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs” to provide practical guidance for Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs) on designing and implementing support programs tailored for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The cornerstone of the toolkit is the wisdom of diverse Indigenous Peoples who have shared their experiences to inspire new entrepreneurs in their communities. This initiative not only supports the sustainable livelihoods of Indigenous communities but also promotes forest conservation and restoration.

This initiative is part of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program, supported by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council, and private sector partners.

Download the toolkit here

Join the Deep Connections Fellowship for Indigenous Youth Leaders

Apply to attend the One Young World Summit in Montréal, Canada and exchange experience with young leaders from around the world.

FSC-IF

Thank you to those who have applied! We have closed the application period and will be in contact soon.

Are you an Indigenous leader looking for opportunities to exchange experiences with other young leaders from around the world? Apply to join the Deep Connections Fellowship for Indigenous Youth Leaders and attend the One Young World Summit in Montréal, Canada from September 17-21, 2024.

Highlighting the role of young Indigenous leaders as drivers of the struggle of their territories and bearers of Indigenous scientific knowledge, the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are launching this Fellowship to support youth leadership and strengthen Indigenous communities by facilitating Indigenous youth to attend the One Young World Summit.

The Summit will bring together young leaders from over 190 countries and more than 250 organizations working to accelerate social impact. The selected Indigenous leaders will participate in different spaces for dialogue, workshops, and networking with other youth leaders worldwide. They will also receive advice from influential political, business, and humanitarian leaders. Once the Summit is over, participants will become One Young World Ambassadors and become members of the FSC-IF Youth Community. They will return to their workplaces and communities with the means and motivation to make a difference.

This opportunity is open to Indigenous youth leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 who are part of Indigenous Peoples’ organizations from one of the following regions: Africa, Asia, the Arctic, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Europe.

Those interested in applying must be part of Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, promoting and developing actions on behalf of their community or People in one or more of the following strategic themes:

Conservation of Mother Earth (the environment) and climate change solutions
Empowerment and promotion of the active participation of Indigenous youth
Use and promotion of Artificial Intelligence and other technologies
Health and promotion of scientific ancestral knowledge
Peacebuilding

Likewise, Indigenous youth who wish to apply are encouraged to carry out actions that incorporate one or several of the following cross-cutting themes:

Strengthening and revitalization of culture (Indigenous languages, art, and cosmovision).
Social inclusion and work with different population groups (women, girls, etc.).
Innovation
Sustainability
Communication or audiovisual media

How can I apply?

Proposals may be submitted in different formats, including video (3-5 min), a written document (2 pages maximum), or by filling out a Google Form. Videos and documents can be submitted through the Google Form or sent to Yaily N. Castillo at y.castillo@fscif.org Applications can be submitted in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.

Applications will respond to the following:

Tell us about yourself!	Personal information: First name, last name, e-mail, telephone, country of residence, nationality (can be more than one), which Indigenous People/community you belong to, mother tongue, gender, and age. Your story: Who are you? What is your life story?
Please tell us what you do!	What role do you have within your organization or your community/Indigenous People? What actions do you carry out in one or more of the previously mentioned strategic themes? How do you incorporate some of the previously mentioned cross-cutting themes? Tell us about one of your greatest and most important achievements and learnings.
Tell us about your motivation!!!!	Why are you interested in participating in this call? How could your participation in this Summit contribute to the growth and empowerment of your community/people? What motivates you to be a leader within your Indigenous community?

Required Attachments: One letter of reference from an Indigenous Peoples’ organization endorsing your involvement in actions of your community or people and stating that you belong to an Indigenous People.

Receipt of applications will close on May 12, 2024, at 12 p.m. Central American time. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the FSC-IF team.

For more information about this application, please contact Yaily N. Castillo at y.castillo@fscif.org

APPLY HERE

Launch of Ogiek women’s empowerment project

The FSC Indigenous Foundation and Ogiek Peoples Development Program support a journey to Indigenous women’s socio-economic transformation.

FSC-IF

Nakuru, Kenya – On April 8, 2024, the FSC Indigenous Foundation and Ogiek Peoples Development Program launch a joint project, “Promoting Socio-Economic Empowerment among Ogiek Women of Mau, Kenya.” This project is part of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD), a five-year program implemented by the FSC-IF and funded by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and private sector partners.

This event, that took place at the Ole Ken Hotel, Nakuru, marked the beginning of a transformative journey towards empowering Ogiek women, addressing their unique challenges, and fostering sustainable socio-economic development in the Mau regions of Kenya.

Participants included representatives from local government, Women Enterprise Fund, Microfinance Institutions, FSC-IF, County Executive Committee (CEC), media, and Ogiek community members.

After opening words by the Executive Director of the Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP) Daniel Kobei, participants listened to keynote addresses from FSC-IF Africa Regional Director Salina Sanou and representatives from the Gender Departments of Narok and Nakuru Counties.

Daniel Kobei emphasized the need to work with county and national governments in Kenya and that the women’s agenda is not only an agenda of NGOs but for everybody.

“The project is also a way of championing for the rights of Ogiek People because one cannot champion for rights without food and being economically empowered.”
Daniel Kobei

“FSC-IF is committed to Indigenous women because they are pillars of our communities. Women are custodians of knowledge and culture.”
Salina Sanou

A panel discussion followed on challenges faced by Ogiek women and opportunities for collaboration with the participation of representatives of the Nakuru County Gender Department, Narok County Gender Department, Women Enterprise Fund, and a microfinance institution.

The project launch was officially opened by Josephine Achieng, County Executive Committee Member of Youth, Gender, Culture, Sports and Social Services, Nakuru County. “OPDP is taking the right trajectory of empowering women,” she said.

“We need to have women represented in all spheres of life politically, economically, and socially,” said Eunice Chepkemoi, Gender and Youth Officer at OPDP.

Participants broke into groups to explore specific areas of engagement and opportunities during project implementation. The Gender Department of Narok County noted that OPDP is now a member of the Gender Sector Working Group of Narok County.

Women from the Ogiek community emphasized that the project is bringing them hope.

“When a woman is empowered, the whole community is empowered.”
Ogiek woman representative

Ogiek women of Kenya

The Ogiek People face persistent challenges. Decades of forceful evictions from their ancestral lands have led to discrimination, marginalization, and oppression, resulting in low participation in development issues. Ogiek women, in particular, grapple with poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to economic opportunities. The lack of representation in the political arena further exacerbates their plight, hindering their ability to address these issues effectively.

Despite these challenges, many Ogiek women have formed women’s groups and engage in economic activities, for example, savings cooperatives, tree nurseries, livestock raising, and beekeeping. These groups could benefit from additional support and opportunities to catalyze sustainable development for their communities.

Transformation to economic empowerment

By providing Ogiek women with the necessary training and support, the FSC-IF and OPDP aim to support them to become self-reliant and economically independent.

Our joint project, “Promoting Socio-Economic Empowerment among Ogiek Women of Mau, Kenya” is a training initiative and open call for proposals from women’s groups to receive financial support.

The training initiative will equip Ogiek women with the essential skills and knowledge to engage in sustainable income-generating activities. It will also foster leadership skills among the participants, particularly the chair ladies, secretaries, and treasurers, to understand their roles and responsibilities, enabling them to guide and mentor their members within the groups.

Through the initiative, we will catalyze sustainable socio-economic development among the trainees, leading to improved livelihoods and enhanced community resilience. This will contribute to their well-being and promote inclusivity, gender equality, and community prosperity.

In parallel, Ogiek women groups across six counties of Kenya will submit proposals to apply for limited funds to support them in establishing small-scale income-generating activities. The project will support twelve sustainable projects that benefit community resilience.

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The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is a global Indigenous organization with a mission, values, and actions driven by, for, and with Indigenous Peoples. It was established in 2019 by the FSC and the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC). We serve as a global strategic, technical, operational, and financial entity led by Indigenous Peoples, supporting their self-development, self-governance, and self-reliance through Indigenous-based solutions, multi-sectoral partnerships, and funding. Our mission is to elevate Indigenous Peoples in their contribution to the protection of Mother Earth and recognize them as providers of solutions and partners to fight against global challenges. We envision a future where Indigenous-led solutions and actions, generated within one-quarter of the planet, safeguard the future of everyone and Mother Earth.

The Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP) is a Kenya-based organization founded in 1999 and registered by the Kenyan Government as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in 2001. It was formed by Ogiek elders, opinion leaders, farmers, and professionals after long land historical injustices that deprived Ogiek community of their rights as Kenyan citizens. OPDP’s work is centered on promoting the recognition and identity of Indigenous Peoples’ culture, the participation and inclusion of the communities in all sectors of development, championing for land rights, ensuring environmental protection, and overall sustainable development. OPDP has its headquarters in Nakuru town, Nakuru County, and operates nationally.

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