Climate Week NYC 2025: From Rights to Partnerships – Working with Indigenous Peoples for Nature
FSC Indigenous Foundation at Climate Week New York 2025
FSC IF
We’re heading to New York for Climate Week NYC (September 21–28), joining hundreds of partners and Indigenous leaders to accelerate real, nature-positive climate action. 2025 is a pivotal year on the road to COP30 in Brazil, and this moment helps us build momentum for our joint advocacy for Indigenous-led solutions and funding opportunities.
Our participation at Climate Week in the Nature Hub
Our participation includes two sessions at the Nature Hub in New York designed to share practical approaches for scaling Indigenous-led climate and biodiversity solutions:
From Rights to Partnerships: Working with Indigenous Peoples for Nature
This one-hour dialogue, hosted by the FSC Indigenous Foundation on September 23rd, will challenge the prevailing narrative around Indigenous Peoples’ rights. For years, many international declarations have affirmed these rights, yet implementation often falls short. Our session calls on the private sector, governments, and philanthropic organizations to move beyond symbolic recognition and toward genuine partnerships that uphold rights while tackling the environmental crisis we face.
We will also examine common barriers that stakeholders encounter when engaging with Indigenous communities, such as navigating diverse cultural and social norms, or knowing who to consult with, amongst other things. Alongside these challenges, we will highlight success stories where partnerships have delivered lasting and sustainable solutions. The discussion will show how collaboration, equitable financing and high-integrity data can drive investment in community-led nature-based solutions.
From Rights to Partnerships: Partnerships for Success — Corporate/Indigenous Learning Circle
In this Nature4Climate (N4C) roundtable, we will participate as panelists together with Indigenous leaders, businesses and investors. The conversation will explore how to co-create strategies for conservation and climate resilience that go beyond compliance. It will present funding models, co-governance frameworks and practical examples that demonstrate how companies and Indigenous communities can work together to protect ecosystems, strengthen climate action and build trust-based, enduring partnerships.
Our presence at Climate Week NYC is strengthened through our close collaboration with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Together, we are advancing a shared vision: forests and Indigenous Peoples are vital to solving the climate and biodiversity crises. We stand alongside partners who champion sustainable forest management, credible certification systems, and innovative tools such as FSC Verified Impact.
Through joint efforts at the Nature Hub and coordinated advocacy throughout Climate Week, we’re demonstrating how inclusive governance, trusted data, and high-integrity standards can unlock funding and partnerships that deliver for people, forests, and the planet.
Request for Consulting Services: Execution of Communications Activities for the FSC Indigenous Foundation
Support the implementation of the FSC-IF global communications strategy
FSC IF
Introduction
The FSC Indigenous Foundation invites interested and qualified indigenous persons to submit proposals for a consultancy on the execution of communications activities. This assignment will support the implementation of the organization’s global communication strategy through content production, visibility actions, and stakeholder engagement.
📄 We recommend carefully reviewing the full Terms of Reference and downloading the annex with the General Conditions of the contract available at the end of this publication.
🌿 About the FSC Indigenous Foundation
The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is a global non-profit organization created by and for Indigenous Peoples. It promotes sustainable forest management and the defense of collective rights globally. FSC-IF works with Indigenous Peoples in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to foster self-determination, strengthen governance systems, and protect territories by integrating traditional knowledge into development solutions.
💡 Disclaimer
This call is open to indigenous persons worldwide. Applicants must be bilingual and fluent in English; additional languages are considered an asset. Selected consultants should also be flexible with their schedules to attend online meetings, as the FSC Indigenous Foundation’s office is based in Panama City, Central America (time zone: UTC-05:00).
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution
FSC INDIGENOUS FOUNDATION
1. CONTRACT CONDITIONS
Name: Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution – FSC Indigenous Foundation.
Type of consulting: Consulting agreement with payments tied to the deliverables specified in the payments and deliverables section.
Contract period: October – November
Location: Remote
Person in charge: Direct reporting to the Head of Communications at the FSC Indigenous Foundation
2. INFORMATION ABOUT THE FSC INDIGENOUS FOUNDATION
In 2019, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) established the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) as the operational office of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC). FSC-IF, a private interest foundation under Panamanian law, exists to secure Indigenous Peoples’ rights and promote sustainable forest-based solutions across 300 million hectares of Indigenous forests.
We are Indigenous Peoples, guided by ancestral knowledge, practices, values, and respect for Mother Earth. We provide Indigenous-led solutions to global challenges by integrating Indigenous values, rights, livelihoods, ecosystem services, and territories into forest governance, climate change policies, and market systems.
Our work is guided by Indigenous values:
Respect for Mother Earth – recognizing our duty as caretakers of lands, waters, and ecosystems for future generations.
Respect for Ancestral Knowledge – honoring our ancestors by sustainably managing resources and valuing traditional wisdom.
3. CONTEXT
Communications play a vital role in amplifying Indigenous voices, raising awareness of Indigenous-led solutions, and strengthening FSC-IF’s presence at global, regional, and local levels. The Communications Unit works to develop and implement culturally appropriate communication strategies, enhance visibility, and promote Indigenous Peoples’ narratives in global dialogues on forests, climate change, and rights.
The Communications Consultant will provide support to the Head of Communications, ensuring timely content creation, and logistical support for communication products. This role will strengthen the visibility of FSC-IF programs, projects, and initiatives through consistent and culturally sensitive communications.
4. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTING
General Objective The Communications Consultant will support the FSC-IF Communications Unit in the implementation of the global communication strategy by assisting with content production, visibility actions, and stakeholder engagement.
Specific Objectives
Assist with the preparation of communication materials, including a policy brief, and a report.
Help monitor media mentions, digital trends, and analytics to inform communication efforts.
5. ACTIVITIES
The Consultant will assist the head of communications in the following deliverables:
Policy brief, for use by FSC-IF and FSC PIPC for UNFCCC CoP30 that details the official agenda items of importance to IPLCs, what to expect and how to effectively participate.
Assist in drafting a communication material: a summarized and concise report.
COP30 activities report (summary version): 4-8 pages, a concise COP30 activities report (text-focused, light on design)
6.1. QUOTATION:
We invite interested parties to submit letters of interest including a quotation of the cost of services based on the outlined deliverables. Deadline for submission of such will be on September 25th this document “Terms of Reference: Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution for FSC-IF.” Please include the taxes for this work in case it’s necessary.
6.2. PERIOD:
The contract will run from October through November; however, it is deliverable-based rather than time-bound. Payment will be issued upon submission and acceptance of the agreed deliverables.
6.3. PAYMENT METHOD:
Bank transfer locally and internationally.
Payments remain tied to the successful submission of deliverables and reports.
7. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED SKILLS
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience in communications, preferably in Indigenous, environmental, or development sectors.
Ideally bilingual: Strong skills in writing, editing, and translating (English and/or Spanish required; proficiency in Indigenous or other languages is an asset).
Strong organizational and coordination skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively in multicultural environments.
Sensitivity and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, values, and perspectives.
Active members of Indigenous Peoples are encouraged to apply.
8. HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are invited to send their CV, LinkedIn profile link (if any), Quotation, and Motivation Letter to procurement.fscif@fsc.org by September 25th at 17:00 Panama Time.
Subject line: Consultancy on Communications Activities Execution – FSC Indigenous Foundation
9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
All materials, content, and outputs produced during this consultancy will remain the property of the FSC Indigenous Foundation.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
The consultant agrees to maintain confidentiality of all information and materials obtained during the consultancy and not to disclose them without prior authorization from FSC-IF.
11. CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed to FSC-IF management, which will determine appropriate measures to resolve it.
FSC Remedy Forum in Jakarta: Reflections on sacred balance between Forests and People
The FSC System Integrity Unit convened the Asia Pacific Remedy Forum in Jakarta, uniting diverse stakeholders to advance understanding of the FSC Remedy Framework.
FSC IF
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – System Integrity Unit hosted the Asia Pacific Remedy Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, bringing together rights holders, Indigenous leaders, NGOs, companies, researchers, and government representatives to deepen understanding and engagement around the FSC Remedy Framework.
What is the FSC Remedy Framework?
The FSC Remedy Framework is a standardized system that guides how companies must address past environmental and social harms linked to forest conversion.
It promotes restoration through social and environmental remedy, ensures transparency in how FSC deals with non-conforming companies, and provides fair roadmaps for remedy. Its ultimate goal is to restore forests and communities, improve the integrity of the FSC certification scheme, and establish measurable conditions for potentially ending disassociation and rebuilding trust.
A New Chapter for Remedy
Since its entry into force on July 1, 2023, the FSC Remedy Framework has aimed to address social and environmental harms resulting from forestry operations. Indonesia, as the pilot setting for implementation, provided a vital case study on opportunities and challenges. The Jakarta forum served not only as a platform for consultation but also as a space for healing, dialogue, and reconciliation; highlighting the positive potential of remedy to restore forest ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and provide redress for affected communities.
Voices from the Forum
Representing the FSC Indigenous Foundation, Nicholas Mujah (FSC-IF Council Member), Praful Lakra (FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee PIPC Co-chair, Asia region), Minnie Degawan (FSC-IF Managing Director), and Dian Intarini (Indigenous Peoples Global Manager for Forestry and Certification) actively participated in the Jakarta Remedy Forum, bringing diverse perspectives from leadership, governance, and community engagement.
During the forum, attendees expressed that if rights are misunderstood, overlooked, or only superficially acknowledged, remedies risk becoming merely symbolic and may reproduce harm rather than repair it. Nicholas underscored this point, reminding participants how critical it is to understand right holders’ rights within the Forest Stewardship system.
Furthermore, Praful shared insights from his region, India, stressing the need to integrate Indigenous knowledge into the process and drawing lessons from the remedy of mining there. As Co-Chair of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC), Praful’s participation carried particular significance. Together with Marchus Colchester (FSC Board of directors and PIPC Liaison), who also engaged in the forum, their presence highlighted the importance of ensuring Indigenous perspectives are consistently heard in FSC processes. Having PIPC represented at the event created a valuable space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and reflection that can help strengthen decision-making at the global level.
From left to right: Praful Lakra (PIPC Co-chair, Asia region), Marchus Colchester (FSC BoD), Nicholas Mujah (FSC-IF Council member), Dian Intarini (Indigenous Peoples Global Manager for Forestry and Certification) From left to right: Isnadi from Riau, Kuspawansyah from East Kalimantan, Nicholas Mujah (FSC-IF Council member) and Minnie Degawan (FSC-IF Managing Director)
Moreover, Minnie reminded participants that for Indigenous Peoples, remedy is not a checklist of consultations or activities, but about restoring balance and safeguarding relationships: with the land, communities, and the unseen.
“Forests are our relatives,” she said. “They are the resting places of our ancestors, where we bury our children’s umbilical cords to connect them to Mother Earth. To sustain the forest is to sustain the Earth and the community. Remedy, for us, means restoring that sacred balance.”
Minnie stressed the need for clearer communication on what the Remedy Framework is, and what it is not. She emphasized that without this clarity, communities risk false expectations and further harm.
At the heart of her message was the call to reframe Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as a process of relationship-building rather than a procedural step, reminding participants that consent is rooted in trust, equity, and mutual understanding.
Finally, Dian Intarini suggested that remedy actions should be aligned with national policies on community empowerment and land rights, for example Indonesia’s Village Law, to support the long-term sustainability of these actions.
Key Observations
Over three days, the agenda moved from exploring solutions for accelerating remedies, to presentations on social and cultural healing in unresolved conflicts, to a closed meeting with rights holders reflecting on their concerns and expectations.
The forum succeeded in fostering open, constructive dialogue, though it also revealed a disconnect in how stakeholders understood the framework and highlighted tensions between Indigenous Peoples and migrant/transmigrant communities that require sensitive approaches. Amid these dynamics, the FSC Indigenous Foundation emerged as a trusted, neutral facilitator and willing to continually support the process.
Looking Forward
As the FSC Remedy Framework continues to take shape, the lessons from the Jakarta forum remind us that remedy must be intentional, inclusive, and rooted in respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and worldviews.
The work ahead will not be easy, but as Minnie emphasized: “We have survived genocide and colonization by moving thoughtfully and carefully. Let us not rush, but ensure that remedy truly heals.”
Brewing a Future: Daniel Maches and Jaymar Garcia’s Journey to economic sustainability rooted in Indigenous knowledge
How Two Indigenous Youth Are Cultivating Culture and Sustainability
FSC IF
Forests regulate our climate, clean the air we breathe, and sustain the biodiversity that makes life possible. Yet every year, more than 12 million hectares of forests are lost to destructive practices.
The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), together with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), works alongside Indigenous Peoples to protect forests and strengthen Indigenous-led nature solutions. At the heart of this vision are Indigenous youth like Daniel and Jaymar, who are carrying ancestral wisdom into the future.
How Two Indigenous Youth Are Cultivating Culture and Sustainability
On the forested slopes of Benguet in the Philippines, two young Indigenous entrepreneurs are proving that business can be both an act of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Daniel Jason Maches, of the ILias tribe, and Jaymar Garcia, from the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Kalanguya tribes, co-founded Banolmi Store PH to showcase forest-grown coffee and traditional cuisine rooted in ancestral knowledge.
For Daniel and Jaymar, entrepreneurship is not just about profit; it is about worth. In their language, Banolmi means “our worth,” symbolizing the heritage of mountains, rivers, rice terraces, and forests passed down by their ancestors “Our forests are life,” Daniel explains. “They give us water, food, and identity. Protecting them is not only survival: it’s honoring our ancestors.”
Their work challenges the dominance of extractive industries by offering sustainable livelihoods that restore biodiversity instead of depleting it. Through agro-ecological farming, they are reviving heirloom rice and native seeds, creating a seed bank for the future, and transforming coffee farming into a tool for conservation. Jaymar reflects, “Food is culture. When we save our Indigenous cuisine, we also save the native species that sustain our people.”
Beyond farming, Banolmi Store PH has become a seed bank of cultural memory, preserving flavors and practices that risk being lost. The impact extends to their community: families now look to coffee and native foods as sustainable sources of income, while traditional cuisine is gaining new recognition as both cultural identity and a tool for biodiversity conservation.
The journey has not been without risks. From navigating family obligations to facing red-tagging during their advocacy, Daniel and Jaymar have demonstrated leadership with courage, finding non-confrontational ways to defend their forests while building community trust.
Looking ahead, Daniel and Jaymar’s dream
These Indigenous entrepreneurs dream of expanding Banolmi into a model that can be replicated in other communities, showing that Indigenous-led enterprises are both viable and transformative. They envision not only coffee farms, but entire agroforestry systems that provide food, restore forests, and sustain cultural traditions.
To achieve this, they hope to build partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals who share their vision and collaborators who can help open markets, provide resources, and amplify their message. “Our goal is to show that Indigenous foods and products are not just heritage, they are the future,” Jaymar says.
On this World Entrepreneurs Day, Daniel and Jaymar’s story reminds us that Indigenous knowledge is innovation. Their venture is not only brewing coffee: it is cultivating a future where culture, community, and conservation thrive together.
