To mark the International Day of Indigenous Women, the FSC Indigenous Foundation collaborated with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) on a special story celebrating the knowledge, leadership, and experiences that Indigenous women carry across generations.

Bringing together the voices of seven Indigenous women from five continents, the story explores what they have learned from the women who came before them and what they hope to pass on to the next generation.

On 5 September 1782, an Aymara leader and weaver named Bartolina Sisa was executed for defending her people. Two hundred years later, Indigenous women of the Americas chose her day as the International Day of Indigenous Women: a day about leadership, resilience, rights and about what women hand to the women who come after them.

Today there are an estimated 238 million Indigenous women in the world (ILO, 2019). Much of what humanity knows about living with forests survives because women like them carried it – from mother to daughter, elder to student, hand to hand – a role that has largely gone unseen. We asked seven Indigenous women leaders from five continents what they were given by the women before them and what they pass on. This is the chain, in their words.

Minnie Degawan (Kankanaey-Igorot, Philippines), Managing Director of the FSC Indigenous Foundation · Tolita Davis-Angeles (Cobble Cobble, Barunggam Nation, Australia), Chair of the FSC First Nations Committee and founder of Gandan Yarnings · Sara Omi Casamá (Emberá, Panamá), lawyer and president of the Territorial Women Leaders of Mesoamerica · Peggy Smith (Miskwaanakwadook, Red Cloud Woman; Cree ancestry, Canada), member of the FSC Canada Indigenous Chamber · Cindy Kobei (Ogiek, Kenya), lawyer and advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ rights · Yu-An Chen (Iupi’i ’akuyayana; Tsou Tribe, Chinese Taipei), Chairperson, Chiayi County Alishan Indigenous Tfuya Community Cooperative · Gely Rojas (Shipibo-Konibo, Peru), Indigenous Business Development, Nii Biri.

What they received from the women before them

Sara Omi Casamá believes that Indigenous women have long been the bridge between generations, transferring traditional knowledge, often without recognition.

Omi Casamá: “This knowledge is always kept alive in the thoughts and hearts of Indigenous women… What we are trying to do now is to make their role visible.”

Across their experiences, the forest is a refuge, a teacher, a family member, and a home.

Smith: “An Anishinaabe elder, a very wise woman, said to me, ‘If you’re looking for guidance, go to the forest and sit. Just be there, and the answers will come to you.’

Rojas: “Our mothers and grandmothers taught us that we must take care of the forest, because it’s not just a resource, it’s part of our family, it’s part of our home.”

Kobei: “As an Ogiek woman, I was raised to understand that the forest not only provides food, medicine, and water, but it is also part of our culture and our identity.”

For others, knowledge is listening and understanding our place and role in the wider world.

Davis-Angeles: “I’ve always been told that we’ve got two ears and only one mouth, so we should be listening twice as much as we’re speaking.”

Degawan: “Inayan is a value that we are constantly reminded of in my community and basically means that whatever we have has to be shared, and that whatever we do has consequences.”

What they give to the next generation

These seven leaders understand that knowledge survives when it is shared. This is what they will leave to those who follow.

Degawan: “I strive to teach my daughter that even if you think you are a big dot, you are still just a dot… and if our dot can connect with the other dots, together we can become a beautiful rainbow.”

Smith: “It is usually women who step up to act as role models for their own children. We are going to bring our communities out of poverty and discrimination. And, become equal members of society. Women naturally feel that they have a responsibility to be that role model for their kids.”

Knowledge can be transferred through experience, creating spaces where youth can learn from elders.

Yu-An: “We invite tribal elders and interested youth to spend a day or two together in the mountains. Along the way, elders lead the group through our traditional territories, sharing the names and stories of these landscapes, as well as how our ancestors once lived and worked the land. To me, what matters most is not dictating what young people should do, but helping them rediscover their culture and land. Through this journey, they can gradually find their own connection to the tribe and reflect on how they wish to build meaningful lives here.”

Many share messages of courage for the next generation.

Kobei: “Listen to the women who have gone before you – they have walked the journey, they know the challenges, and they have lessons they want to share… do not be afraid to be a leader.”

Davis-Angeles: “Every day when I drop my daughter off at school I tell her, ‘You’re strong, you’re smart, and you’re resilient’.”

Rojas: “The message I want to give to Indigenous girls and women is that we must never be silent, that our voices must be heard, that our culture must be shared respecting all our ancestral knowledge. That we should never, ever be afraid to say, ‘I can’t’ because we can, because if one of us climbs, we all climb.”

Seven women, seven inheritances, and seven gifts already moving toward the next generation. The knowledge was always carried – from her, to her.

Meet each of these women in full in The Knowledge Keepers, our series within Where Women Took the Forest.

Originally published by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

On the first day of #UNCCDCOP17, Pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples, and other groups from various regions of the world marched together to deliver the “Global Pastoralist and Indigenous Pastoralists’ Call For Action: Ulaanbaatar Declaration” to the COP17 Presidency.

At the heart of the Declaration is a powerful reminder:

“Pastoralists are custodians of nature, biodiversity and ecosystems, with an experience-based and systematic knowledge base.”

The Declaration calls for recognition of and support for pastoralists’ vital contributions to maintaining and restoring pastoral landscapes, conserving biodiversity, strengthening ecosystem health, and sustainably managing natural resources.

We invite you to read and share the Declaration:

The Forests & Indigenous Voices Newsletter brings you monthly stories and news on Indigenous leadership and knowledge, global advocacy, nature-based solutions, and opportunities to connect and engage.

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Global news:

In this edition, we follow Indigenous voices across territories and global spaces, from communities exchanging knowledge on Indigenous nature-based economies, to a powerful call for Indigenous worldviews to guide global action on climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation.

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Currently in Mongolia

“Beyond Fragmentation: Advancing Coherence, Equity, and Indigenous Leadership Across the Rio Conventions”

At COP17 UNCCD, Nia Tero officially launched the report “Beyond Fragmentation: Advancing Coherence, Equity, and Indigenous Leadership Across the Rio Conventions;” authored by Minnie Degawan, Indigenous rights expert and Kankanaey-Igorot from the Philippines.

“The report examines Indigenous Peoples’ recognition and participation in the Rio Conventions. Climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation are all interconnected, Minnie, source Inter Press Service.

During the launch, Minnie recalled with vivid memories, one of the biggest gatherings of Indigenous Peoples in the world in the UNCED and how in that time (33 years ago), Indigenous Peoples travelled, not as representatives of organizations, but as representatives of their Peoples. “We went to Kari-Oca with a message: Nature is one,” she shared.

Now, in this current climate, we need to make sure this worldview stands.

Solutions to climate change cannot be separated from solutions to biodiversity loss, just as land degradation cannot be disconnected from deforestation. All of these are interconnected and that is an important thing that Indigenous Peoples need to reclaim, reassert and push for, she said.

For the youth who are starting to participate in the conventions, Minnie offered words of encouragement: “be grounded in your community – always return to your origin.”

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The Indigenous Peoples’s Caucus at the COP17 UNCCD

Stronger together – for a resilient planet.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus aims to facilitate the meaningful, effective, and coordinated participation of Indigenous Peoples in the processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). In doing so, it strengthens dialogue, coordination, and engagement between Indigenous Peoples and Parties to the Convention in matters related to policy development, negotiations, implementation, monitoring, and review.

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Global Pastoralist and Indigenous Pastoralists’ Call For Action: Ulaanbaatar Declaration 2026

During the first day at COP17, Pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples, and other groups from various regions of the world marched to deliver the “Global Pastoralist and Indigenous Pastoralists’ Call For Action: Ulaanbaatar Declaration 2026” to the COP 17 Presidency.

Read the declaration

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The Role of Forests in Meeting the Objectives of the UNCCD

Discover key outcomes from the FSC Indigenous Foundation side event, where Indigenous leadership and cross-sector cooperation highlighted the vital role of forests in advancing UNCCD objectives.

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Panama

Knowledge exchange between Embera-Wounaan & Kichwa Peoples

Indigenous communities and organizations from Panama and Ecuador came together in Darién from August 8 to 11 for a technical exchange centered on strengthening Indigenous nature-based economies. As part of the FSC’F’s project “Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models,” with support from BID Lab, the exchange created a space for peer-to-peer learning, knowledge and cultural sharing and regional collaboration.

For me, the arrival of the Kichwa brothers and sisters was important for the exchange of knowledge. They shared with us how they succeeded with their products and organizations, how they marketed wayusa leaves, chocolate, and plantains, and how that provides a livelihood for their communities. I thank them for sharing their ideas with us. This is important to us because we’ve already been planting this seed in our community for two years, hoping it will grow into a tree that bears fruit, improving the economy for our future generations.

Luviana Chamapuro, Wounaan People, Oropéndolas Indigenous Organization

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Indigenous and Community Economy Exchange

After engaging in the knowledge exchange in Darien, on August 12, the Embera-Wounaan communities travelled with the Kichwa brothers and sisters to Panama City to join the event “Indigenous and Community Economy Exchange: Regional economic models that strengthen forest governance, biodiversity, and livelihoods” hosted by AMPB.

They had an open dialogue about strengthening a shared vision of the indigenous and community-based economy as a model of territorial development that contributes to territorial governance, the conservation of forests and biodiversity, and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

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Türkiye

Respect – Connection – Collective reflection

Indigenous leaders from across the world gathered in Istanbul for three days to exchange perspectives and shape a shared vision for the future of forests. Through meaningful dialogue and collective reflection, they strengthened connections and brought Indigenous voices, knowledge and experiences to the heart of conversations on forest governance.

Together, they explored how the FSC certification system can more fully respect FPIC, Indigenous Peoples’ rights and governance, while recognizing their knowledge, values and ways of caring for their lands.

Forests are sacred homes for Indigenous Peoples. Rooted in this profound connection, their leadership will continue to shape and safeguard the future of the world’s forests.

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Worldwide

The knowledge keepers: Indigenous women leading forest governance on five continents

A river that purifies. A community whose very name means ‘‘caretakers of the forest.’’ A word – inayan – that teaches that whatever we do has consequences. Around the world, Indigenous women are leading forest governance in courtrooms, committees, and communities, carrying knowledge passed down through generations.

In collaboration with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), we shared 6 inspiring stories of women whose leadership and knowledge are creating lasting impact.

During the start of COP17 of the UNCCD, the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) held a side event on August 17, titled “The Role of Forests in Meeting the Objectives of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.” It highlighted the often-overlooked contribution of forests and Indigenous Peoples to combating land degradation, desertification, and drought.

The panel was composed by:

• Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair, Indigenous Peoples Forum to Combat Desertification and FSC-IF Council chair.

• Ms. Cindy Cheng, Regional Director of the Forest Stewardship Council Asia and Pacific (FSC APAC)

• Ms. Aissatou Ibrahim, Vice Coordinator of Network of Indigenous and Local Communities for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems in Central Africa (REPALEAC)

• Mr. Natanael Braga Pereira, Specialist in Indigenism for Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples National Foundation (FUNAI)

• Mr. Morse Flores, Director, Global Indigenous Policy & Partnerships, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Moderator: Ms. Minnie Degawan, FSC-IF Managing Director

The discussion revealed clear common ground around key priorities: preventing land and forest degradation, recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ rights and leadership, valuing Indigenous knowledge alongside scientific and technical approaches, and ensuring access to long-term financing. Translating these priorities into action requires cooperation among Indigenous Peoples, governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector.

That is why bringing together and listening to Indigenous leaders working across different regions and institutions, including Africa, the Brazilian government and The Nature Conservancy, alongside the Forest Stewardship Council, was so valuable. Their contributions brought distinct roles, experiences and expertise into the conversation, offering concrete examples of how Indigenous leadership and cooperation across sectors can advance shared priorities in practice.

Highlights of the side event

A central message in the discussion was that prevention is more effective and less costly than restoration. Indigenous Peoples are recognized as long-standing custodians of forests and territories, possessing traditional knowledge and governance systems that can prevent forest degradation and support ecosystem restoration.

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim stressed the importance of recognizing and securing Indigenous Peoples’ collective rights to their lands, territories, forests, and natural resources, as well as ensuring their meaningful participation in decisions that affect them. She also emphasized the need for direct financing and support for Indigenous-led conservation and land management.

“In discussions on Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD), we often forget about the solutions. Forests are part of the solution, and Indigenous Peoples are the guardians of these forests.” Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair of FSC-IF Council

From the African context, Aissatou Ibrahim (REPALEAC) highlighted the importance of community participation, traditional knowledge, and local governance in protecting forests and restoring degraded landscapes. Indigenous and local communities were presented not simply as beneficiaries of conservation programs but as rights holders, knowledge holders, and active leaders in managing ecosystems.

Natanael Braga Pereira explained that Brazil has strengthened its institutional framework for Indigenous Peoples, including through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and policies supporting territorial and environmental management of Indigenous lands. Indigenous territories were highlighted as important areas for preventing deforestation, protecting biodiversity, maintaining water resources, and reducing carbon emissions.

“Demarcating, protecting, strengthening environmental management, and promoting the ecological restoration of indigenous lands are fundamental actions to achieve the objectives of the UNCCD.” Natanael Braga Pereira, FUNAI

Cindy Cheng (FSC Asia and Pacific) emphasized the role of responsible forest management and certification in preventing degradation before restoration becomes necessary. FSC certification provides a framework that integrates environmental protection, social rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and economic viability. She also underscored the essential role of Indigenous communities on the ground: “They are the feet, eyes, ears, and hands on the ground.”

However, she noted that certification can be difficult for Indigenous and community-managed forests because of financial, technical, documentation, and monitoring requirements. She highlighted the potential of continuous improvement approaches to make certification more accessible while maintaining its credibility and standards. She also stressed that sustainable forest management should recognize the broader ecosystem services generated by forests, including biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, water regulation, and livelihood benefits.

The Nature Conservancy perspective, presented by Morse Flores, Director Global Indigenous Policy and Partnership reinforced four major lessons from conservation initiatives around the world. First, rights must come before restoration: conservation is more durable when Indigenous Peoples have authority and resources to manage their territories. Second, prevention is better than restoration, with Indigenous territories often serving as important barriers to deforestation. Third, Indigenous knowledge and science are stronger together, particularly through Indigenous Guardians and community-based monitoring programs. Fourth, conservation requires long-term and sustainable financing rather than short-term projects.

Examples from Canada, the Amazon, Australia, and Mongolia demonstrated how Indigenous governance, conservation finance, technical support, and long-term partnerships can produce durable outcomes.

Overall, the side event reinforced that forests and Indigenous-led stewardship are essential to achieving the objectives of the UNCCD, from preventing land degradation to strengthening ecosystem and climate resilience. Moving forward, speakers emphasized the need to better integrate forests, Indigenous rights and knowledge into UNCCD implementation, supported by direct and long-term financing. They also called for stronger synergies between the UNCCD and other environmental frameworks addressing forests, biodiversity, climate change and sustainable land management.

The event’s overarching message was clear: healthy forests, secure Indigenous rights, Indigenous leadership, and sustainable financing are mutually reinforcing foundations for achieving land degradation neutrality and resilient landscapes.

A meaningful closing

The event closed with the presentation of a moose hide pin in support of the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men and boys, and all Canadians, standing against violence toward women and children. Wearing the moose hide signifies a commitment to honour, respect and protect women and children and to work together to end violence.

The gesture offered a meaningful close to an event that had emphasized throughout the discussion the importance of responsibility, respect and working together to turn shared commitments into action.