Panama-Mexico Community of Practice

Exchange among Indigenous Peoples and the Development of Nature-Based Economic Models

FSC IF

April 2026, Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico

On April 1 and 2, 2026, a delegation of Indigenous Peoples from the Darién region of Panama visited Ixtlán de Juárez, in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, as part of the “Panama – Mexico,” a platform for exchange promoted by the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) with support from the Inter-American Development Bank Group’s innovation lab.

The delegation was composed of representatives from the communities of Alto Playón, Puerto Lara, Arimae, and Emberá Puru, belonging to the Emberá and Wounaan peoples, who engaged in direct dialogue with community leaders from the Zapotec community of Ixtlán de Juárez, accompanied by the project’s technical team and FSC Mexico.

This exchange is part of the project “Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models”, an initiative led by the FSC Indigenous Foundation and co-financed by IDB Lab, which supports indigenous communities in building their own economies based on their relationship with the land.

Through this process, communities in the Darién region are exploring how to transform their knowledge, practices, and forms of organization into economic models that generate income without disrupting the balance with nature, and identifying mechanisms that allow them to recognize and communicate the cultural, social, and environmental value of their products and services.

Learning among communities, such as that experienced in Ixtlán de Juárez, thus becomes a key tool for identifying their own paths to development while simultaneously strengthening community governance and the capacity to make long-term decisions.

Governance and Community Vision

In Ixtlán de Juárez, the forest is central to community life. Its management is underpinned by an assembly-based governance structure, where decisions are guided by a long-term collective vision. This model is strengthened through FSC-certified forest management, which has helped establish clear criteria for forest management and consolidate responsible management practices.

During the exchange, the Commissioner of Communal Assets, Amado Maurilio Méndez Pacheco, shared some of the principles that have helped consolidate this model:

“We often want to see quick results, but community processes are long-term. A business needs time to mature. Here we have learned to organize ourselves, to reinvest, and to be clear about where we want to go as a community.”

More than isolated initiatives, the enterprises, forest management, and social organization are part of a single system that serves the community’s well-being.

Beyond the Forest: Community-Owned Businesses

One of the main focuses of the visit was to learn about the network of community-owned businesses that Ixtlán has developed within its territory.

The delegation visited various productive initiatives created and managed by the community itself, including the sawmill, the furniture factory, the purified water bottling plant, and the Ecoturixtlán ecotourism park, where they also stayed.

*Tour of the sawmill and bottling plant*

Among the sites visited, the Glass observation deck stood out as one of the highest observation decks of its kind in Latin America and a flagship example of the community-based tourism model. Its development has generated jobs and income not only for Ixtlán but also for neighboring communities that are part of the tourism value chain.

The Juguetearte Capulálpam initiative also participated; it crafts toys from wood waste from the forest. This model particularly caught the participants’ attention, as it demonstrated how materials not used in industrial processes can be utilized to generate economic value while simultaneously contributing to forest conservation.

Community Economy and Decision-Making

The exchange provided insight into how the community organizes and distributes the benefits of its economic activities.

In Ixtlán, income is not allocated solely for individual distribution. A portion goes toward social provision, another toward reinvestment in the forest and the enterprises, and only a fraction is distributed directly.

In the words of César Canseco, Chief Operating Officer of Ecoturixtlán

“Ixtlán isn’t looking to make a fortune from its businesses, but rather to create jobs. This allows young people to stay and find opportunities within the community. In the past, many wanted to become forest engineers because it was the main source of livelihood; today, they’re also seeking training in tourism, management, and other fields.”

This model is based on a logic of long-term sustainability, where economic development is built without compromising the land.

Likewise, the importance of having technical support to strengthen the management of community-owned businesses and ensure their long-term viability was emphasized.

Field-Based Learning

The activities included tours of the mesophilic mountain forest, as well as visits to local agricultural and tourism projects.

During these sessions, Alina Santiago, a Zapotec indigenous leader from Ixtlán de Juárez, played a key role in presenting the community model. Together with Alejandro Reynosa of FSC Mexico, they presented the FSC forest management certification and addressed the delegation’s questions, particularly regarding how this tool can strengthen forest management and help diversify income sources for indigenous communities.

Beyond the technical content, the gathering included ceremonies, cultural expressions, and opportunities for dialogue that reflect the deep connection between territory, identity, and community.

The delegation from the Emberá and Wounaan peoples shared with great interest and admiration the impact they felt upon learning about the work carried out by their Zapotec brothers and sisters. They expressed their enthusiasm upon observing the results of a process built over 60 years, as well as the growth achieved and the development of productive initiatives with a high level of organization. They particularly highlighted the way in which they have managed to sustainably utilize forest resources, while keeping the forest strong, healthy, and protected.

Luviana Chamapuro, president of the Indigenous organization Oropéndolas, shared this enthusiasm:

“I’m going back to my community very happy because I can share this; that’s why I came: to see and share with my community. Tourism is important, and welcoming tourists is important; we are artisans, we can offer good products and good service, and I will be sharing this with the group that welcomes tourists. They’ve accomplished these great projects they’re working on, and it’s not easy; it took many years, but they did it, and I’m speechless.”

Chief Aulina Ismare Opua, chief of the Wounaan People’s General Congress, also shared:

“The environmental aspect: I’m surprised to see land-use planning within the hectares. In Panama, some communities have it; we just need to harness the technical potential and add value. It helps us tell the government that we don’t just want to have it for the sake of having it, but that we want to decide how to care for it, and this also helps the development of the population and the government itself.”

*Part of the delegation: The Emberá and Wounaan Peoples*

Diversification and Ecosystem Services

One of the key topics of the exchange was income diversification through ecosystem services, particularly given the interest of Panamanian communities in identifying new economic opportunities beyond timber harvesting.

As Alina Santiago noted:“There are other products derived from the forest: water, handicrafts, biodiversity, carbon credits. There are seven ecosystem services managed by the FSC.”

This approach highlighted how forest benefits can be translated into business models that do not rely solely on timber, opening opportunities for communities that, due to their geographical conditions, do not have large forest areas.

In this regard, FSC-certified forest management was presented as a tool that strengthens community organization, facilitates better forest management, allows for the identification of economic diversification opportunities, and opens up possibilities for accessing new markets, including mechanisms such as the carbon market.

A Dialogue Among Territories

The experience in Ixtlán de Juárez offers insights that can be adapted to different contexts, recognizing that each territory has its own unique conditions, but also that there are common principles in the development of sustainable community models.

From the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca to the Panamanian Darién, the forest remains a meeting place, where sustainability is not an abstract concept, but a practice built by the community.

Panama Delegation, FSC-IF, and FSC Mexico

Indigenous Forest Stewardship in Asia

Navigating FSC Certification in Asia

FSC IF

March, 2026

From March 21 to 22, the FSC Indigenous Foundation organized the “Indigenous Forest Stewardship: Navigating FSC Certification in Asia” meeting. A diverse group of Indigenous leaders, FSC-IF and FSC representatives, and regional stakeholders gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for a critical dialogue on the future of forest governance in Asia. What emerged was not just a technical discussion about certification systems, but a powerful reflection on rights, resilience, and the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples navigating restrictive state policies and corporate pressures.

From the beginning, participants made one thing clear: Forest certification cannot be separated from the broader context of Indigenous rights. Across Asia, Indigenous Peoples continue to face shrinking access to their ancestral lands, restrictive state policies, and competing economic pressures.

The Tension Between Standards and Reality

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) positions itself as a global leader in responsible forest management, with over 117 million hectares certified worldwide. Furthermore, FSC has 10 principles and three are most relevant to Indigenous Peoples:

Principle 2: maintain or improve the social and economic well-being of workers;

Principle 3: uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples

Principle 9: maintain or improve high conservation values; including cultural and spiritual sites.

These principles provide formal entry points for advancing Indigenous rights within the FSC system. Yet, the dialogue revealed a persistent gap between these commitments and their implementation on the ground.

A pressing concern was raised around FPIC. For many Indigenous participants, FPIC is not merely a procedural step but a fundamental expression of self-determination. Stories shared during the gathering illustrated how, in practice, communities are often consulted too late, or not at all, while decisions about their lands move forward. The fear is that ongoing revisions to FSC standards could weaken FPIC, turning a substantive right into a checkbox exercise.

Mr. Nicolas Mujah, FSC-IF Council member, also mentioned how communities can engage in grievance procedures to challenge violations:

“FPIC is important to integrate into FSC. In FSC, there’s a remedy framework: if you feel you have been criminalized, you can start with the complaint mechanism.”

Participants agreed that FSC and similar certification mechanisms must provide transparent and effective complaint and remedy processes. Complaint mechanisms can be anonymized to protect human rights defenders, but systemic support and follow-up are missing, undermining accountability.

Structural Barriers to Participation

A central theme of the dialogue was participation: who gets to shape the rules.

FSC’s governance structure, built around economic, social, and environmental chambers, is designed to balance interests. However, participants highlighted significant barriers for Indigenous Peoples. Membership fees, technical complexity, limited voting power, and uneven access to these mechanisms, all restrict meaningful engagement. For many forest-dependent communities, simply navigating the system can be overwhelming, especially for Indigenous communities with limited resources and adequate support.

However, despite these challenges, several engagement mechanisms were highlighted by Jacki Yeung, FSC Membership Manager for Asia Pacific:

Participation in General Assembly motions and voting processes

Involvement in chamber discussions and working groups

Engagement in consultations and policy development platforms

Participants emphasised that while individual membership may appear limited, collective organizing within chambers can strengthen Indigenous influence.

A Path Forward, Reform and Collaboration

Despite the challenges, the tone of the gathering was not one of resignation, but of cautious determination.

Participants called for concrete reforms within FSC recognizing that current structures are insufficient to protect Indigenous rights, including reducing barriers to membership, strengthening Indigenous representation, and ensuring that standards are consistently enforced. There was also a strong emphasis on collective action, organizing within chambers, building regional networks, and developing shared messages for global platforms.

On the last day of the dialogue, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were highlighted as a complementary tool, particularly in strengthening accountability and access to remedies. As mandatory due diligence laws begin to emerge in several countries, there is growing potential to align certification systems with broader legal frameworks.

Conclusion, From Participation to Power

The gathering underscored a critical moment for forest governance in Asia. FSC and similar systems hold significant potential, but their legitimacy depends on their ability to deliver on their promises.

For Indigenous Peoples, the question is not whether to engage, but how to transform these systems so they truly reflect their rights, knowledge, and leadership.

Overall, the gathering was eye opening and created a space for critical reflections, with participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to share experiences and challenge existing systems.

“I learned a lot about FSC and PIPC. Thank you for the learning exchange; understanding each other’s challenges and experiences made it truly meaningful and successful. I also hope there will be more youth involvement.”

– Naomi Be-ilan, Indigenous Youth, Ikalahan, Philippines

FSC-IF February Newsletter 2026

Highlights of the month and upcoming activities

FSC IF

Across territories and regions, Indigenous leadership continues to shape climate and forest action, and February was a month of connection and collaboration that strengthened this shared commitment in the FSC Indigenous Foundation.

Indigenous Lands Symposium 2026 in Canada

The Indigenous Lands Symposium brought together leaders, Elders, youth, and partners from across Canada and beyond to center resurgence, restoration, and Indigenous rights in forest stewardship. The gathering created space for powerful dialogue on land governance, Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and the global relevance of Indigenous knowledge systems in addressing climate and biodiversity challenges.

A dedicated Indigenous exchange with FSC Australia and New Zealand further strengthened cross-regional relationships, as leaders shared experiences of asserting rights, advancing Care for Country, and leveraging tools such as FSC certification to support Indigenous-led stewardship. The week underscored the strength of international solidarity and the importance of learning from one another to advance Indigenous leadership worldwide.

At the symposium, the panel “Beyond the Boreal” featured FSC-IF managing director Minnie Degawan, FSC PIPC alternate for Oceania Tolita Davis-Angeles, and Indigenous leader Jacqueline Lorangi, who shared cross-regional perspectives and lessons from around the world, with Minnie providing an overview of the key global challenges facing Indigenous Peoples and forest stewardship, and Tolita speaking on “the impacts of colonisation and how this is limiting First Nations Care for Country and how mechanisms like Forest Stewardship Council certification present pathways to increase First Nations opportunities to implement Care for Country practices.”

Webinar on Community-Led Forest Economies

In the WRI webinar, Indigenous leaders from across regions reaffirmed that securing land rights, strengthening community forest governance, and ensuring direct access to climate finance are essential to advancing climate action, protecting biodiversity, and sustaining Indigenous-led economies.

Among the panelists in the webinar were Ms. Alina Santiago and Kalea Aquino, both Indigenous women from the FSC Indigenous Foundation, who shared outstanding community leadership stories in forest stewardship and beyond.

Watch the recording:

Boosting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models

Indigenous women’s leadership continues to drive meaningful action in forest conservation. In the Emberá Purú community in Panama, leaders like Briceida Upua are strengthening local knowledge and stewardship of their territories. From January 22 to 25, FSC Indigenous Foundation, in coordination with Health in Harmony and If Not Us Then Who, facilitated community workshops to review bioacoustic monitoring results based on a biodiversity baseline established in their forests.

Listen to Briceida’s story:

Through this collaborative process, 211 species were validated, including 199 birds, five mammals, and seven amphibians. This marks a significant advancement in community-led biodiversity knowledge. The initiative reinforced the importance of forest conservation and upheld the community’s rights to manage and use this information under the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty, demonstrating the vital role Indigenous women play in safeguarding their lands and knowledge systems.

FSC-IF in GATC annual planning meeting

FSC Indigenous Foundation was honored to participate in the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities’ annual planning meeting for 2026, hosted in Panama by the Alianza Mesoamericana de Pueblos y Bosques and the territorial authorities of Guna Yala and Emberá from February 22nd to 27th.

Participants aligned key priorities for the year ahead, including governance and budget discussions, updates from member organizations, the Women’s and Youth Movements, the Shandia Platform, and the development of the 2026 strategy.

During the gathering, FSC-IF Managing Director Minnie Degawan underscored the urgent need for stronger Indigenous solidarity in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and shrinking civic space, emphasizing that no single organization can address these challenges alone. She reaffirmed FSC-IF’s commitment to collaboration with GATC, including joint fundraising, technical exchange, and practical support such as strengthening global alliances across regions.

Aissatou Ibrahim, FSC PIPC Representative for Francophone Afric, co-leader of the GATC Women’s Movement, and Deputy Coordinator of REPALEAC in Central Africa, highlighted the shared struggles faced by Indigenous communities across basins and raised concerns about the lack of dedicated funding for the Women’s Movement. She stressed that it’s a very serious problem because women are the core of the family, and the family is what makes up the community.

Research Spotlight

First Nations-led Circular Bioeconomies: Social and Economic Impacts and Social Perceptions

This report provides an in-depth analysis of First Nations-led circular bioeconomies in Australia, examining their social, economic, environmental, and cultural impacts. It captures the perspectives of various First Nations groups, emphasising their traditional responsibilities for caring for Country, preserving ancestral knowledge systems, and engaging in sustainable practices that support community wellbeing and environmental health.

Researchers: Tolita Davis-Angeles and Timothy McBride

Read the article

Upcoming activities in March:

20th Community-Based Adaptation Conference hosted by IIED

The 20th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change (CBA20) will be held from 11 to 14 May 2026 in Manila, Philippines, convening global practitioners to share lessons, strengthen partnerships, and advance locally led climate adaptation in practice.

Re-Earth Initiative’s Climate Policy Fellowship for Indigenous Youth

Re-Earth Initiative is proud to launch its Climate Policy Fellowship for Indigenous Youth. A year-long capacity-building and policy engagement program designed to support Indigenous youth in meaningfully engaging in international climate negotiations under the UNFCCC. Applications for the 2026 cohort open on March 2nd and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until March 16th.

Apply today!

We thank our allies and partners for their continued support and collaboration. We also invite financial institutions and organizations interested in investing in Indigenous nature-based solutions to connect with us so we can work together to strengthen Indigenous-led climate and forest action worldwide.

Oceania Regional meeting highlights

Indigenous leadership in Forest Stewardship

FSC IF

In January 2025, leaders, experts, and Indigenous representatives from across Oceania and beyond gathered for an important regional meeting focused on the future of forest stewardship. The event created a powerful space for collaboration, learning, and dialogue. At its heart was a shared goal: to strengthen Indigenous leadership and ensure that traditional knowledge stands alongside Western science in shaping sustainable forest management.

The meeting highlighted the role of the Forest Stewardship Council in the region, the work of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, and the importance of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) in advancing Indigenous rights within global forest governance. A key outcome of the gathering was the nomination and election of new PIPC representatives for Oceania, ensuring continued Indigenous representation in FSC’s decision-making processes.

Above all, the meeting reaffirmed a strong commitment to cultural respect, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent FPIC, and inclusive leadership.

Day 1: Foundations of Indigenous Leadership in Forest Stewardship

Day 1 began with a traditional Pōwhiri welcome ceremony and Karakia prayer, grounding the meeting in respect for Māori customs and Indigenous traditions. This opening set the tone for meaningful and culturally respectful dialogue.

Leaders from FSC International, the FSC Indigenous Foundation, and the PIPC shared opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous leadership and FPIC in forest governance.

Participants were introduced to the FSC system and its work in Oceania, including certification processes and regional priorities. The role of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee PIPC was highlighted, particularly its responsibility to advise the FSC Board of Directors on Indigenous rights and to advance an Indigenous Peoples Agenda within FSC.

The FSC Indigenous Foundation presented its mission to uphold Indigenous rights, strengthen forest stewardship, and promote Indigenous-led solutions.

A closing Karakia brought the first day to an end.

Day 1 video summary:

Day 2: Strengthening Collaboration and Engagement

Day 2 opened with a Karakia and focused on action, collaboration, and strengthening Indigenous participation.

Interactive sessions encouraged open dialogue and exchange of ideas. Speakers from New Zealand, Latin America, and other regions shared experiences on Indigenous leadership in forestry and inclusive forest strategies. Participants explored practical ways to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure Indigenous voices are fully integrated into FSC governance.

A key discussion centered on aligning regional strategies with FSC’s global priorities, reinforcing Indigenous rights, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge into ecosystem services and sustainable forest management.

One of the most important moments of the meeting was the nomination and election of new PIPC representatives for Oceania. Through a transparent and culturally respectful process, Te Ngaehe Wanikau was selected as the Principal Representative, and Tolita Davis as the Alternate Representative.

The meeting closed with a final Karakia, marking the end of two impactful days.

Day 2 video summary:

Day 3 Visit to TE POU O HINETAPEKA

On day 3, a visit to Te Pou o Hinetapeka was made.

Day 3 video summary:

Looking Ahead

This regional meeting was more than a gathering. It was a transformative step toward stronger Indigenous leadership in forest stewardship. By bringing together traditional knowledge and modern systems, the participants reinforced a shared vision: forests are not only resources, but living landscapes deeply connected to culture, identity, and future generations.

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