Sacred Lands Indigenous Peoples Declaration at UNCCD COP16: A Global call for rights and land restoration

Indigenous Peoples unite at UNCCD COP16 to call for the recognition of their rights in land restoration and environmental policies. Read the Declaration.

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On December 7, 2024, during the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Indigenous Peoples from across the globe came together to present the “Sacred Lands Indigenous Peoples Declaration.” This historic moment highlights the urgent need to recognize and uphold the rights of Indigenous communities in land restoration and environmental stewardship.

With decades of expertise in managing lands and territories, Indigenous Peoples continue to play a pivotal role in the fight against desertification, land degradation, and environmental crises. This declaration serves as a powerful call for global leaders and policymakers to respect, recognize, and support Indigenous rights in all land-related decisions and actions.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is proud to have supported this historic achievement.

Below is the full text of the declaration, outlining key calls to action for governments, policymakers, and the international community.

SACRED LANDS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DECLARATION

AT THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION

COP16, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

It has been thirty-one years since the 1992 United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development that led to the creation of the sister conventions: the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), and the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). These conventions were meant to address the issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification, drought, and land degradation, but we are not any nearer to the resolution of these problems. We continue to experience the crises brought about by over-consumption and disregard for nature.

Here at UNCCD COP16, we acknowledge the support of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UNCCD Secretariat in bringing together—for the first time—Indigenous Peoples’ representatives from Africa; the Arctic; Asia; Central and South America and the Caribbean; Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia; North America; and the Pacific.

RESPECT, RECOGNIZE, PROMOTE AND PROTECT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS IN THE UNCCD POLICIES AND ACTIONS

We call on Parties to ensure an approach that embraces human rights and Indigenous Peoples’ rights in all policies and actions related to land restoration and resilience building. We call on Parties to respect, recognize, promote, and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, based on the fundamental right to self-determination, provided for in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and its General Recommendation 23. Indigenous Peoples’ lands and territorial rights, tenure systems, and governance need to be recognized and upheld. Indigenous Peoples’ abilities to manage their lands and territories should be maintained and enhanced in all UNCCD policies and actions, including recognition and support for Indigenous Peoples’ collective actions and efforts related to the restoration of degraded lands and conservation of our lands and territories.

ENSURE FULL AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, INCLUDING WOMEN AND YOUTH, IN LAND-RELATED PROCESSES AND PROGRAMS AT THE LOCAL, NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS

Indigenous Peoples’ lands and territories are on the frontline of environmental crises, including land desertification, drought and degradation. The full engagement of Indigenous Peoples is critical to the success of the UNCCD. We urge Parties to establish an Indigenous Peoples Caucus within the UNCCD at COP16, as rightsholders, distinct from the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). In keeping with established norms within the United Nations, the creation of a distinct caucus will create a meaningful space to exchange knowledge amongst ourselves and enable us to more effectively advise the UNCCD. This will bring the UNCCD in line with other UN fora, including the sister conventions, the General Assembly resolution 71/321, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

RECOGNIZE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO LAND RESTORATION, STEWARDSHIP, AND TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOODS

There is no doubt that Indigenous Peoples have unique knowledge systems and livelihoods arising from our ancestral connections and close ties with our lands and territories. This knowledge is a valuable source of feasible solutions that can contribute to the effective implementation of the UNCCD. We call for the equitable and ethical inclusion of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, science and technologies, values, practices, and innovations in the decisions of the UNCCD COP16. We urge Parties to provide a permanent seat for Indigenous Peoples on the Committee on Science and Technology.

ENSURE DIRECT ACCESS TO FINANCES FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES FROM ALL SEVEN SOCIO-CULTURAL REGIONS

We stress the need to directly fund the self-determined actions of Indigenous Peoples with regards to protecting and restoring lands and territories. We advocate for the inclusion of the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision making about the UNCCD funds and financial mechanisms and provide for direct access to resources without relying on intermediaries. The funding mechanisms should be equitable, non-discriminatory, accessible, flexible, and responsive to priorities across all socio-cultural regions without political impediments. We urge Parties to support our request for the representation of Indigenous Peoples as active observers on the Riyadh Action Agenda and Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership Fund. We encourage the UNCCD to create a dedicated fund for Indigenous Peoples’ initiatives on land restoration, conservation, and desertification and drought resilience.

We offer our strong appreciation to the COP Presidency and Secretariat for their commitment to Indigenous Caucus members. We call on other Parties and upcoming COP President to also extend their support in forthcoming meetings. We remain committed to working with the Parties as full partners and trust our contributions bring benefit for all. We remind everyone that, without the full recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and to the matters set out in this Declaration, the goals of the Convention will ultimately not be achieved. Therefore, we count on you to uphold our rights.

Shukran! Thank you! Merci! Gracias! Спасибо! 谢谢 (Xièxie)!

In a few of our Indigenous languages: Ousseko! Mingetti! Ondjarama! Miigwetch! Wophila Tanka! Kurang! Ikatu Nekopoe! Hahom! Soro Nyo Wogh! Matiox! Doggus Nued! Nga Mihi Nui! Ashe Naleng! Kotoluadan! Salamat! Tyoox Tii! Khop Khun kha! Sepas! Saqol! Morȋ pe! Molyii! Tat fa kup! Maketai! Spasibo! Jaaн byiyan! Eyde polzyyn! Nugen! Min yetti! Alatsüking!

Conclusion:

The “Sacred Lands Indigenous Peoples Declaration” is a crucial reminder that the future of our planet depends on Indigenous leadership and knowledge. With 31 years having passed since the creation of the UNCCD and its sister conventions, the need for meaningful change has never been more urgent.

The declaration calls for the recognition of Indigenous rights, full participation in decision-making processes, and direct access to financial resources for land restoration and resilience efforts. As we move forward, we must center Indigenous solutions in the global fight against desertification and climate change—together, we can ensure a sustainable future for all.

Download the Full Declaration

Highlighting Indigenous voices at COP29

FSC Indigenous Foundation leads dialogue at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

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The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), hosted in Azerbaijan in Baku from November 11-22, 2024, brought significant focus on the inclusion and integration of Indigenous knowledge into climate strategies. With the theme In Solidarity for a Green World, COP29 underscored the need for a transparent and collaborative approach to achieving climate goals.

Integrating Indigenous leadership: The Baku Workplan

At COP29, the adoption of the Baku Workplan. marked a significant advancement in elevating the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in climate action. The Workplan, developed through consensus, outlines key actions to promote knowledge exchange, build capacity, and integrate diverse values and knowledge systems into climate policies. It includes strategies such as regional engagement, collaboration with UNFCCC bodies, and creating roundtables for cross-generational dialogue. Additionally, by renewing the mandate of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP), COP29 also addressed barriers such as language accessibility and continuity in membership transitions, creating a pathway for inclusive and sustainable climate action.

Highlighting Indigenous contributions and challenges

One key moment of the conference was the side event titled “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Driving Participation in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for Climate Action,” held at the Indigenous Peoples Pavilion on November 13.

The panel, led by key figures from the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), IPACC, and REPALEAC, explored the pressing need for recognizing and including Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the climate action process, specifically through NDCs. Speakers included Salina Sanou (FSC-IF), Kanyinke Sena (IPACC), Balkisou Buba (REPALEAC), Samante Anne (FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee), and Mohamed Handaine (IPACC North Africa), who shared valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities.

Salina Sanou noted that a recent study of NDCs across eight countries in Africa revealed that “Indigenous Peoples are not recognized in NDCs, which highlights a major gap in inclusive climate frameworks.” This oversight undermines the effectiveness of climate strategies and prevents the incorporation of Indigenous Peoples’ unique knowledge systems.

Samante Anne added, “NDCs are typically government-driven. This presents a challenge, especially when the process is rushed and external consultants, who do not understand the African context, are hired to lead it. This exclusion persists despite the $1.2 billion that was allocated for climate mitigation in tropical forests at COP26.”

Kanyinke Sena pointed out that “only 22% of global NDCs mention Indigenous Peoples.” He emphasized the additional challenge that few African countries, such as Mauritania, South Sudan, Eritrea, Eswatini, and Namibia, incorporate Indigenous Peoples and traditional knowledge into their NDCs. He also shared that NDCs are categorized by country and often fail to integrate the cross-border perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. “Citizens need to read their NDCs to understand the gaps and advocate for inclusion,” he stressed.

The case for Indigenous knowledge and representation

Balkisou Buba highlighted that the lives of many Indigenous communities, including hers, are closely tied to livestock and traditional land practices, underscoring the need for NDCs that value and integrate Indigenous knowledge. She advocated for meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making, moving beyond symbolic “tick-box” roles.

“As a way forward, there is the need to empower Indigenous Peoples to be part of meaningful consultations towards the NDCs development. Indigenous Peoples should not be flowers in the discussion but assets,” she said.

Mohamed Handaine added that cutting Indigenous languages equates to severing the roots of Indigenous knowledge, emphasizing the need for adaptation policies that are language-inclusive.

A Path Forward: Actions and Recommendations

The event concluded with powerful calls to action:

Ensure Indigenous participation: Balkisou Buba and Samante Anne stressed the need to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are involved in every stage of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) consultations. Their participation is crucial for meaningful contributions to climate policy development.
Strengthen local and regional representation: Kanyinke Sena advocated for increasing Indigenous representation at regional forums such as SADC, ECOWAS, and the African Union, emphasizing the need for broader engagement in various sectors
Secure funding and capacity building: The speakers highlighted that African countries can fund only a small portion of their NDCs and must rely on external support. Kanyinke urged African nations to focus on research and fundraising for Indigenous-led climate initiatives.
Acknowledge rights holders: The panel emphasized that Indigenous Peoples should be recognized as rights holders rather than stakeholders. Samante Anne underlined the importance of ongoing dialogue to promote traditional knowledge and responsible business practices in NDCs.

Other highlights: financial commitments at COP29

COP29 in Baku marked significant progress in addressing the financial challenges of climate action, setting a long-term financial target of mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. This includes a foundational $300 billion annually to support vulnerable nations in enhancing resilience, expanding energy access, and fostering sustainable development. However, \ reliance on mixed public-private funding and voluntary contributions from developing nations has drawn criticism. The “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T,” led by the COP Presidencies, will guide progress toward these ambitious financial goals.

Indigenous leaders call attention to climate change impacts and solutions at COP29

At COP29, Indigenous leaders from around the world shared harrowing accounts of climate change’s devastating effects on their communities, from catastrophic floods to rising seas. Yet, amid these challenges, they also brought solutions, showcasing their traditional ecological knowledge and vital role in combating global warming. Their voices underscore the urgent need for inclusive climate policies that address the disproportionate impacts they face while leveraging their centuries-old practices for sustainable land management and resilience.

During COP29, Ms. Hindou Oumarou, a member of the Fulani Mbororo People of Chad, Chair of the FSC Indigenous Foundation Council, and an environmental and Indigenous Peoples activist, highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on her community.

“Right now, we are experiencing the biggest floods we have ever had. Two million people have been displaced, and thousands are dead,” she shared, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. Her testimony echoes the experiences of many Indigenous communities worldwide, who bear the brunt of extreme weather events while playing a crucial role in climate resilience and land stewardship.

Conclusion

COP29 highlighted the urgent need to integrate Indigenous knowledge into climate action. Recommendations such as establishing localized climate funds, adapting policies to Indigenous needs, and strengthening collaboration with Indigenous communities mark important steps toward a more inclusive future.

The progress made at COP29 sets the stage for further action. By continuing to elevate Indigenous perspectives, we can shape a greener, more resilient future for all.

Indigenous land, our future

The FSC Indigenous Foundation will attend the UNCCD COP16 to promote Indigenous land rights and solutions to combat desertification

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“But Mother Earth – it’s us. It is everything that we belong to and that belongs to us,” says Niila Inga of the Saami People and a member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee, reflecting Indigenous Peoples’ deep spiritual connection with Mother Earth.

We see the land not as a resource to be exploited, but as a living, integral being that sustains all life and ensures the balance of ecosystems. It is the foundation of our identity, our culture, and our survival. It is through our connection to the land that Indigenous Peoples secure the future of our planet and for us all.

However, Indigenous communities often face threats to their land rights that hinder their ability to implement sustainable land practices effectively. Protecting Indigenous land rights and supporting their knowledge systems through partnerships and investments is crucial for addressing environmental challenges like desertification and drought.

For these reasons, the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) will actively participate in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 – 13, 2024. This crucial conference will unite leaders from governments, the private sector, civil society, and global stakeholders to accelerate progress in sustainable land management and combat the growing threat of desertification.

At COP16, we will promote Indigenous land rights as a key solution to combat desertification, influence global climate policies, and engage stakeholders to foster new collaborations and resource mobilization.

Our work for land rights

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is advancing Indigenous land rights and governance through a variety of global initiatives.

In partnership with the Fund for the Development of Indigenous Peoples of America (FILAC), we have conducted studies on Indigenous land rights across Latin America and are expanding our research into Africa, providing critical data for advocacy. We are supporting Indigenous communities in remedy processes, where rights to land have not been respected previously.

We also support Indigenous governance by supporting traditional authorities and communities develop Charters of Rights, which help consolidate Indigenous governance in both recognized and unrecognized territories. For territories yet to be recognized, the Charter can become a valuable instrument and tool for advocacy. With territorial regulations aligned with their cosmovision and values, Indigenous communities can better steward their land and natural resources and grow businesses aligned with their worldviews.

In Panama and Honduras, we are helping to advance policies that support Indigenous economic empowerment, land rights, and the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes. In Kenya, we are facilitating dialogue between the Ogiek Peoples and government institutions to align policies with Indigenous rights.

In Central Africa, we partnered with the regional network REPALEAC to organize a participatory mapping workshop, where 50 participants from eight countries developed a system for monitoring and collecting data on the rights, culture, lands, and territories of Indigenous Peoples, supporting REPALEAC’s goal of securing 4 million hectares of land by 2025.

Get involved

Indigenous Peoples are not just victims of land degradation but are integral to its solution. Indigenous land rights, traditional knowledge, and cultural landscapes offer powerful solutions to desertification and climate change. Protecting these rights and community land stewardship is key to restoring ecosystems, fostering resilience, and ensuring the future of all life on Earth.

Join us at COP16 and beyond as we bring Indigenous solutions to the center of global climate dialogues. Together, we can create a future where people and Mother Earth thrive in harmony.

Stay tuned for updates and reach out to us at fsc.if@fsc.org to get involved.

A milestone at COP16: Global recognition of Indigenous rights and their role in the protection of biodiversity

The creation of the Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8j and international partnerships pave the way for an active participation of Indigenous Peoples at COP30 in Brazil in 2025

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The historic decision at COP16: Indigenous Peoples get a Permanent Subsidiary Body on Traditional Knowledge

The recent UN COP16 marked a milestone for Indigenous Peoples by establishing a Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8j, which gives them an official voice in global conservation policies. After intense negotiations, the agreement was announced by Colombia’s Minister of Environment, representing a historic recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems and their profound relationship with nature. This breakthrough validates the ancestral wisdom of Indigenous communities in the protection of biodiversity and underscores their essential role in caring for the planet.

The creation of the Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8J represents a historic step forward for Indigenous Peoples, whose recognition goes beyond symbolism; it is a true inclusion in global decision-making on biodiversity.

In this achievement, the G9 of the Indigenous Amazon, an alliance of nine organizations of Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon, was fundamental, standing out at COP16 as a strategic actor.

Amazonian Indigenous Organizations form an alliance; G9

In their statement, they highlighted their ancestral role as guardians of the forests, warning that any dialogue on biodiversity and climate is meaningless without their participation. Faced with threats such as illegal mining and deforestation, they urged states to protect their territories and recognize their rights, requesting direct funding and participation in global policies. Their efforts contributed to the creation of the Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8J, a key achievement for their inclusion in global decision-making, and laid the groundwork for them to play a key role towards COP30 in Brazil in 2025.

Partnerships for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, economies and ecosystems in Africa

Highlights at COP16:

The FSC Indigenous Foundation and REPALEAC signed an agreement to strengthen initiatives with Indigenous Peoples in the Congo Basin, focusing on the defense of their rights, economic empowerment and sustainable management of forest ecosystems in Central Africa. This partnership with REPALEAC seeks to enhance the capacities of Indigenous organizations through participatory training and promote their participation in decision-making on natural resources, climate policy and biodiversity.
The FSC Indigenous Foundation signed an agreement with the Ogiek People’s Development Program (OPDP) to strengthen its collaboration with this community and protect the Mau Forest, a place of vital cultural and environmental importance to the Ogiek. This alliance seeks to empower Ogiek women and foster an inclusive dialogue by promoting policies that respect their rights and ancestral knowledge of biodiversity.
The FSC Indigenous Foundation has expanded its collaboration with the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC), the world’s largest Indigenous Peoples’ network, which brings together 135 organizations in 21 African countries. This alliance seeks to promote the defense of the rights, recognition and economic opportunities of Indigenous communities in the management of their lands, in addition to promoting economic activities based on their worldview and traditional knowledge.

These initiatives ensure that Indigenous communities actively participate in decision-making about their lands and resources, as highlighted by leaders such as Nadia Gómez and Maatal Pérez during COP16. The testimonies of these leaders invite us to reflect on the urgency of recognizing the importance of Indigenous participation in the preservation of biodiversity.

Voices from COP16: Listen to our delegation and Indigenous leaders:

Mohamed Handaine – Indigenous knowledge for biodiversity management:
- “If we take the Sahel as an example, we have a water shortage, so the Indigenous Peoples have created extraordinary systems to manage this water shortage.”
Yaily Castillo – Indigenous Youth and Leadership:
- COP16 serves as a space for Indigenous youth from Latin America and the Caribbean to connect and collaborate on leadership and participation strategies.
- “We seek to create useful platforms and tools for the youth network that we are promoting at the FSC Indigenous Foundation.”
Nadia Gómez – Importance of the Participation of Indigenous Peoples:
- COP16 represents a platform for Indigenous youth and veteran leaders to be heard at the global level.
- “Forests and rivers we consider them sources of energy and wisdom and historically, we have been the ones to protect these ecosystems so that today the world enjoys preserved landscapes.”
Carlos Blandón – Resource Mobilization for Indigenous Peoples:
- The objective at COP16 is to establish partnerships with actors from the public and private sectors and multilateral organizations to implement biodiversity agreements.
Maatal Perez – Economic Empowerment of Indigenous Peoples:
- We work under the principle of “free, prior and informed consent” before any intervention, which guarantees respect for the autonomy of the communities.

Listen to each of them and discover how their efforts at COP16 open a path of change and hope for all.

COP16 marked a significant advance in the recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, underscoring their fundamental role in the protection of biodiversity and the sustainable management of ecosystems. This momentum towards inclusion and respect for their ancestral knowledge is crucially projected towards COP30 in Brazil in 2025, where the active participation of Indigenous Peoples will be essential to address the global challenges of biodiversity and climate change.

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