From the Ground to the Global Stage: Indigenous Women Prepare for COP30

A regional training co-organized by DGM Global, Conservation International, and the FSC Indigenous Foundation during Panama Climate Week 2025

FSC IF

During Panama Climate Week 2025, a powerful gathering of Indigenous women leaders from across Latin America took place. The Capacity Building Workshop for Indigenous Women to Advocate in Climate and Biodiversity Negotiations—organized by the Dedicated Grant Mechanism (DGM), Conservation International, and the FSC Indigenous Foundation—created a space for dialogue, learning, and collective action. Participants from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Brazil, and Guatemala came together to strengthen their technical skills, exchange experiences, and deepen their impact on global environmental governance. Whether already engaged in national advocacy or beginning their journey, they shared a common commitment: advancing Indigenous leadership in climate and biodiversity negotiations.

Reflections of Indigenous Women Leaders

Learning emerges not only through technical knowledge but also through intergenerational dialogue and the revitalization of ancestral wisdom. During the workshop, participants shared several reflections:

The COP began 33 years ago, but the commitments established have not progressed significantly over the past three decades. It was observed that many decisions remain concentrated in the hands of governments, and that it is necessary to integrate ancestral knowledge into climate policies to ensure progress that is both sustainable and collective.

Participants also recognized the complexity of climate issues and noted that these are often not communicated in ways that are accessible to communities. They called for technical concepts to be translated into more understandable formats so that communities can engage with them within their own contexts. Although these issues may seem new in international forums, they have long existed within Indigenous peoples’ ancestral practices, worldviews, and values.

“These issues are not new to us. What we need is for our way of naming them to be recognized,” mentioned one participant.

Young People Leading the Way

The new generations of Indigenous Peoples are prepared to confront the challenge of climate change from their own realities and perspectives. Among them are young professionals who are combining traditional knowledge with formal training to advocate for their communities on a global stage. One of the most inspiring moments was hearing from young Indigenous women, who voiced their concerns and aspirations to be agents of change within their communities. They spoke about bringing solutions and raising their peoples’ voices in international arenas.

Rosibel Rodríguez Gallardo, from the Ngäbe people of southern Costa Rica, shared:

“It is a privilege to participate for the first time in an international gathering of Indigenous women in Panama. I want to learn a lot so I can share it with my people.”

This generational shift—rooted in respect for and continuity of ancestral knowledge—is a sign of enduring commitment to the Indigenous struggle for environmental and climate justice.

A Partnership for the Future

The meeting also provided an opportunity to build support networks among Indigenous women from different countries, promote mutual learning, and strengthen each participant’s leadership. The young women demonstrated their commitment to their communities and to continuing to influence the climate agenda.

From left to right: Rosibel Rodríguez Gallardo and Yeshing Upún

Yeshing Upún, Maya Kaqchikel and a member of the Indigenous Women’s Network on Biodiversity of Latin America and the Caribbean, shared:

“It is a pleasure to exchange experiences and knowledge, but above all, to join efforts and raise our voices in response to the different proposals that will be developed in the framework of COP30 and the ongoing biodiversity negotiations.” — Yeshing Upún

At the close of Climate Week, Minnie Degawan, Managing Director of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, reflected:

“Climate Week should be more sensitive to the cultural aspects of the local people.”

Her words remind us that it is not possible to move toward a just climate future without active listening, deep respect, and genuine inclusion of those who have protected life in harmony with Mother Earth since time immemorial.

Sineia do Vale – Co-chair of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus

Climate Justice with a Voice: A Step Toward COP30

As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Belém, Indigenous women are not only strengthening their leadership but also building the technical knowledge required to engage in international climate negotiations. While the Panama workshop focused on capacity building, advocacy strategies, and peer learning, it was also part of a larger effort to ensure that Indigenous women are equipped to participate meaningfully in formal spaces like the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) under the UNFCCC process.

Held in parallel with Panama Climate Week 2025, this gathering complemented other preparatory efforts—such as technical trainings hosted earlier in June by partners including the International Indigenous Forum on Climate Change (IIFCC), the International Indigenous Youth Forum on Climate Change (IIYFCC), DOCIP, Nia Tero, and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples (UNVFIP). Those sessions focused on the structure and agenda of SB62 and its relevance to COP30, including key negotiation tracks like the Global Goal on Adaptation and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Together, these efforts underscore the importance of linking political advocacy with technical readiness, ensuring Indigenous women are not only visible in global climate spaces but fully prepared to shape the outcomes.

Closing Reflections

As the world moves toward COP30 in Belém, the voices, knowledge, and leadership of Indigenous women must remain at the center of climate and biodiversity negotiations. This workshop, made possible through the collaboration between DGM Global, Conservation International, and the FSC Indigenous Foundation, reaffirmed the power of partnerships in creating spaces where Indigenous women can build skills, share knowledge, and shape global agendas. Strengthening these alliances is essential to ensuring that Indigenous women are not only present in decision-making spaces—but are leading efforts to build a more just and sustainable future for all.

By Maria De Leon (FSC Indigenous Foundation) and Lidiane Castro (Conservation International)

Empowering Indigenous Youth to Lead at COP30 and Beyond

FSC Indigenous Foundation to Implement Community Program in Four Indigenous Communities in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé in Panamá

Tolé, Chiriquí, Panamá – June 2025

FSC IF

The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) will serve as the implementing partner of a newly established community program designed to support the livelihoods and well-being of four Indigenous Ngäbe communities in Panama: Kiad, Nuevo Palomar, Quebrada Caña, and Quebrada de Plata.

This initiative arises as a result of a dialogue process between these communities, representatives of the Movimiento 10 de Abril (M10), their advisors (SOMO, Both Ends, and ACD), and the Development Finance Institutions of Germany (DEG) and the Netherlands (FMO). This dialogue was prompted by a formal complaint submitted in 2014 to the Independent Complaints Mechanism (ICM) of DEG and FMO by M10 and the General Cacica of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, in relation to the impacts of the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project.

The dialogue culminated in a joint agreement, signed in June 2025, and the co-creation of a community program addressing essential needs, such as access to water and sanitation, transportation, electrification, home improvements, education, livelihoods, and cultural preservation. All elements of this agreement were discussed and validated through a participatory process in each community.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation was chosen by the parties to implement the program based on its recognized track record of working alongside Indigenous Peoples in Panama and worldwide. The Foundation’s role will be to ensure that the commitments outlined in the agreement are fulfilled through a culturally sensitive, participatory, and transparent implementation process over the course of two years, beginning in July 2025.

Our Guiding Principles: Respect, Consent, and Indigenous-Led Solutions

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is an Indigenous-led organization committed to upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and safeguarding their traditional knowledge, governance systems, and territories. We believe that Indigenous Peoples are the rightful stewards of Mother Earth’s forests and that Indigenous leadership is central to global sustainability efforts.

Our mission is to protect sacred landscapes and empower Indigenous communities through self-determined development. Our vision is a future where Indigenous rights are fully honored, Indigenous knowledge is integrated into global systems, and Indigenous Peoples lead actions to protect and restore the world’s forests.

In all our work, we uphold the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). This means that Indigenous communities have the right to decide—freely, in advance, and with full information—whether and how they wish to engage in development processes that affect their lands, territories, and lives. FPIC is not only a procedural step, but a cornerstone of Indigenous autonomy, dignity, and governance. We follow this methodology in every initiative we undertake, regardless of location or scale.

A Commitment to Dignity and Constructive Engagement

While the Barro Blanco hydroelectric dam has had lasting negative impacts on the affected Indigenous communities, this agreement reflects the determination of the Ngäbe Peoples to advocate for their rights and well-being. It is the result of their leadership and persistence in seeking solutions on their own terms.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is honored to support the implementation of the resulting community program, carrying out this work with deep respect for the communities’ lived experiences and with a strong commitment to transparency, dignity, and Indigenous self-determination.

Our approach is grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and Indigenous self-determination. We thank the communities of Kiad, Nuevo Palomar, Quebrada Caña, and Quebrada de Plata, M10 representatives, and all involved parties for their trust, and we remain committed to walking alongside them in this process.

Communications contact

If you want to collaborate with the FSC Indigenous Foundation, please email:

María De León

Head of Communications

m.deleon@fsc.org

The FSC Indigenous Foundation Will Be Present at the Global Events Meeting Point in Panama 2025

Climate Week and Nature Summit in Panama

FSC IF

The future of development lies in the integration of ancestral knowledge, technology, and circular economy to build resilience and adapt to climate change. From May 19 to 23, 2025, Panama will host Climate Week 2025 and the Nature Summit, positioning itself as a global hub for climate action. Though distinct in approach, both events share a vision of inclusive, transformative solutions. The FSC Indigenous Foundation’s participation—through leaders like Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim and Minnie Degawan—underscores the vital role of Indigenous voices in global climate decision-making.

Climate Week: Turning Commitments into Action

Organized by the UNFCCC, Climate Week is a global platform that brings together governments, organizations, and civil society—highlighting Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to climate solutions. In 2025, two editions will take place: the first in Panama (May 19–23) and the second in Africa, both paving the way for COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

After a pause, Climate Week returns to turn Paris Agreement commitments into action. Key themes include NDC implementation, climate financing, technology, carbon markets, and the vital role of Indigenous communities in climate governance.

Nature Summit: Driving Investment

In parallel with Climate Week, the Nature Summit will take place at Panama’s Biomuseo, uniting government leaders, investors, and experts to drive nature-based solutions. The summit seeks to align public and private investments with UN goals on climate, biodiversity, and desertification—promoting a regenerative economy grounded in ecosystem conservation and Indigenous leadership.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation will play a key role, amplifying Indigenous-led solutions and advocating for funding that reflects community priorities. As Indigenous leader Minnie Degawan affirms, “Funds must align with Indigenous priorities.” Like Climate Week, the Nature Summit offers a high-level platform to mobilize capital, partnerships, and political will through innovation, science, and ancestral knowledge.

The Role of Indigenous Peoples

Both events recognize Indigenous Peoples as essential actors in the climate struggle. Indigenous communities manage a quarter of the world’s lands, which host 80% of global biodiversity. This reality demonstrates that Indigenous Peoples are already leading solutions based on their worldviews, and that their ancestral knowledge is vital to addressing climate and conservation challenges.

In this context—where conventional solutions have proven insufficient—the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF), led by Managing Director Minnie Degawan, together with other Indigenous representatives will highlight the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in resolving the global issues.

The Foundation’s role is to showcase Indigenous forest management, ancestral governance, and intergenerational knowledge offer viable and holistic responses to climate change and biodiversity conservation. The FSC-IF aims to support efforts by Indigenous Peoples for these messages to be heard by policy makers and other actors.

It also works to ensure that global climate policies recognize and respect the territorial and cultural rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Two Paths Toward the Same Goal

Although Climate Week and the Nature Summit share a common goal, their approaches differ. Climate Week emphasizes fulfilling and following up on multilateral commitments, strengthening national and local capacities, and fostering dialogue among diverse actors through workshops, forums, and participatory spaces. In contrast, the Nature Summit positions itself as a high-level platform focused on mobilizing resources and investments, connecting governments, funders, and public sector leaders with conservation and sustainable development initiatives. While one prioritizes action through policy and planning, the other drives implementation through strategic financing and innovative partnerships. Both contribute to the same goal: a just, effective, and inclusive ecological transition.

Following the Voices That Care for Mother Earth

The FSC Indigenous Foundation’s participation in these forums is another step in the fight for climate action that recognizes the ancestral knowledge and rights of Indigenous Peoples. From their active role in defending territories to their presence in international forums, these voices are key to imagining a sustainable, just, and diverse future.

Over the years, the Foundation has worked globally alongside Indigenous organizations to strengthen their capacities, implement dialogue processes, and ensure that their priorities are at the center of decision-making. This includes training in economic development, sustainable forest management, and the design and implementation of project approval mechanisms led by Indigenous Peoples themselves.

We invite all governmental, financial, and social actors to closely follow the Foundation’s work and commit to a future where investments align with Indigenous voices and priorities. It is time for global financing to take root in these realities.

Voices That Echo Through the Forest

Minnie Degawan at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

FSC IF

From the mountain ridges of the Philippines to the halls of the United Nations, the voices of Indigenous Peoples continue to rise—not in protest alone, but in wisdom, resilience, and deep-rooted knowledge of how to live in balance with nature.

This April, as world leaders and Indigenous representatives gather in New York for the 24th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), our Managing Director Minnie Degawan—a proud Kankanaey Igorot woman—will be there, carrying the stories and hopes of Indigenous communities from around the globe. With the theme of this year’s session focused on “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” the moment is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. It’s a time to spotlight good practices, confront persistent challenges, and most of all, listen to those who have safeguarded the planet for generations.

As part of our Voices of the Land campaign, Minnie’s presence at the Forum is more than participation—it’s a powerful act of advocacy. In a heartfelt video message to mark the occasion, she shares, “we believe that the knowledge of Indigenous Peoples is essential to the health of our planet.” Through Voices of the Land, we are sharing real stories of Indigenous leadership in forest stewardship, language preservation, and climate resilience—stories that often go unheard, but are vital to reimagining a sustainable future.

The campaign and the Forum intersect in their urgency. While Indigenous Peoples manage over 25% of the Earth’s land surface and protect 80% of its biodiversity, their rights remain fragile, their languages endangered, and their contributions under-recognized. At the FSC Indigenous Foundation, we’re committed to changing that narrative—by investing in Indigenous-led solutions, creating platforms for Indigenous voices, and calling for meaningful partnerships across all sectors.

We are also proud to share that Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair of the FSC Indigenous Foundation Council, is leading this year’s Forum as the Chair of the UNPFII. Her leadership marks a moment of great promise—one in which Indigenous voices are not only represented, but guiding the way forward.

And with Mother Earth Day approaching on April 22, this is a time to reconnect with our roots, renew our commitments, and honor the Earth—as Indigenous Peoples have done since time immemorial.

📢 Get Involved:

Watch Minnie’s video message and share it with your network.
Follow us on social media for live updates from UNPFII 2025.
Support Indigenous-led solutions and fund transformation: contact us at fsc.if@fsc.org

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