FSC Indigenous Foundation welcomes Minnie Degawan as Managing Director
We are proud to announce the appointment of Minnie Degawan as its new Managing Director
FSC-IF
The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC IF) is proud to announce the appointment of Minnie Degawan as its new Managing Director, effective March 1, 2025.
With over thirty years of experience advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and integrating their knowledge into global conservation efforts, Minnie’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the Foundation. Throughout her career, she has worked to ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ rights are upheld across diverse spaces, including in collaboration with the business sector—particularly within the forestry industry. This new role presents an opportunity to realize a long-held vision of bridging the business and Indigenous communities, fostering meaningful partnerships that drive both responsible forest stewardship and and respect for Indigenous rights.
Minnie, a member of the Kankanaey-Igorot people of the Cordillera region of the Philippines, brings a distinguished career to this position. She has most recently worked as a social safeguard’s consultant for The Nature Conservancy and previously as director of Conservation International’s Indigenous Peoples Program, where she co-led the GEF-funded Inclusive Conservation Initiative and secured funding. Her roles have included developing reallocation mechanisms for forest carbon finance, leading Indigenous negotiations programs, and fostering partnerships between Indigenous Peoples and global stakeholders.
Minnie’s strategic vision has driven transformational change throughout her career. As Managing Director, her goal is to position the FSC Indigenous Foundation as a globally recognized and influential organization that not only promotes the recognition and practice of Indigenous Peoples’ rights but also ensures their full integration into FSC’s global framework. Through her leadership, FSC-IF is strengthening its role as a bridge between Indigenous communities and sustainable forest management, advocating for policies, and economic opportunities that empower Indigenous Peoples as key actors in global conservation efforts.
“My vision for the Foundation is for it to be recognized globally as a credible Indigenous Peoples’ organization that can partner with diverse stakeholders to promote the recognition and actual practice of Indigenous Peoples’ rights,” Minnie said. “Through collaboration, inclusion and empowerment, we can ensure that indigenous voices are not only heard but are at the forefront of sustainability efforts.”
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, praised Minnie’s extensive experience and dedication:
“Minnie’s leadership is a beacon of hope for indigenous peoples around the world. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing indigenous communities, combined with her track record of advocacy and partnership building, will take the FSC Indigenous Foundation to new heights. ”
The Permanent Indigenous Peoples’ Permanent Committee (PIPC), as an advisor to the FSC Board of Directors and a representative of the Indigenous voices and Peoples certified by the FSC, expresses, through its chair, Alina Santiago, its willingness to continue collaborating with the new director to strengthen the FSC Indigenous Foundation.
“The goal is to establish the Foundation as an organization that equips Indigenous Peoples with the necessary tools to promote and enhance both their organizations and the sustainable use of their forest resources.“
Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council International and Founder of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, highlighted the importance of Minnie’s appointment:
“The FSC Indigenous Foundation was founded to create a platform for Indigenous Peoples to lead global dialogues on sustainability and responsible forest stewardship. Minnie’s appointment represents a strong step forward in fulfilling this mission.”
The FSC Indigenous Foundation also expresses its deep gratitude to Sarah Banda-Genchev, who has worked with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for over a decade and has served as Management Consultant and Acting Interim Managing Director of the FSC-IF since February 2024.
Under Minnie Degawan’s leadership, the FSC Indigenous Foundation is strengthening its impact by fostering global partnerships and advancing the rights and values of Indigenous Peoples. A key pillar of this work is supporting Indigenous-led solutions, ensuring that Indigenous communities can benefit from sustainable forestry while preserving their traditional knowledge and land stewardship practices. Minnie’s vision of global collaboration and recognition will drive meaningful and sustainable change, positioning Indigenous Peoples as leaders in responsible forest management and ensuring their full participation in the global FSC framework.
About the FSC Indigenous Foundation
The FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) is a global organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights, values, and leadership within the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) framework. Committed to promoting sustainable forest management, the Foundation works to increase Indigenous participation in FSC certification, governance, and decision-making. By fostering partnerships, advocating for Indigenous-led solutions, and integrating traditional knowledge into forest stewardship, FSC-IF strives to create a future where forests are sustainably managed with Indigenous Peoples as key actors in conservation, climate resilience, and equitable economic opportunities.
For media inquiries, please contact: Maria De Leon Communications Specialist m.deleon@fsc.org
Alina Liviet Santiago appointed as president of the FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee
Strengthening sustainable forest management through Indigenous leadership
FSC-IF
During the 43rd meeting of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC), held in Bonn, Germany, PIPC Vice Chair Alina Liviet Santiago Jimenez was elected president by the committee members, after 6 months of serving as acting chairperson, together with the Vice-Chairperson, Praful Lakra, the committee members unanimously decided to proclaim Ms. Alina Santiago as acting chairperson of the FSC Permanent Committee on Indigenous Peoples.
The FSC Indigenous Foundation congratulates Ms. Alina Santiago on her appointment and reaffirms its commitment to supporting her in this new role.
“Thank you very much for the trust and I feel very committed to the FSC and to the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee. It is a great responsibility that has been entrusted to me today. We have high expectations with the new 2025 work plan,” said Alina Santiago.
Ms. Alina Santiago belongs the the Zapoteco Indigenous People from the community Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked alongside Indigenous communities on a wide range of issues, including FSC certification, community governance, and sustainable livelihoods.
A dedicated advocate for the rights and sustainable practices of Indigenous Peoples, Alina Santiago is an individual member of FSC’s Southern Social Chamber. Her work focuses on advancing Indigenous-led solutions to environmental and social challenges through effective leadership and advocacy.
In Mexico, Alina Santiago has overseen the chain of custody and multi-site chain of custody certification process and has contributed to the preparation of audits for Forest Management certification. She is a consultant for Indigenous communities in the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca, where she provides expertise in management, project development, and the formation and monitoring of communal enterprises. She supports FSC certification and resource management in collaboration with national and international organizations.
She currently holds the position of health councilor in the municipality of her community, which is governed by the Indigenous normative system.
Praful Lakra, PIPC representative from Asia, will continue in his role as Vice President of the PIPC, and David Flood, PIPC representative from Canada, will also serve as Vice President.
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.
FSC-IF
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.
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.
Indigenous women’s organizations of Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán, Guatemala gathered to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies, and dialogue with stakeholders.
FSC-IF
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala – The FSC Indigenous Foundation, in collaboration with Hivos and the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (AMPB), through the Coordinating Committee of Women Territorial Leaders of Mesoamerica (CMLT), organized a National Meeting of Indigenous Women’s Organizations of Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán, Guatemala. This significant event, part of the Indigenous Women’s Economic Empowerment (I-WEE) Initiative, took place on August 8 and 9, to strengthen the empowerment and advocacy of Indigenous women.
The event brought together more than 100 delegates from over 30 Indigenous women’s organizations participating in the I-WEE initiative and key stakeholders from international cooperation and private and public sectors. It served as a platform to explore new solutions and strategies for Indigenous women to be at the center of economic and political actions.
Participants shared knowledge, experiences, and strategies on three crucial topics:
Indigenous women’s political participation and advocacy
Addressing violence against Indigenous women
Economic empowerment of Indigenous women
The Mayan cosmovision was the foundation of the event, opening each day with an offering of gratitude and closing with a spiritual moment. Participants sat in a circle around an altar in the center with offerings of candles symbolizing the four cardinal points, as well as the Heart of Heaven, the Heart of the Earth, and flowers. The slogan for the event was “Weaving Life.”
Day 1: Empowerment and recognition among Indigenous women
During the first day, delegates of Indigenous women’s organizations connected, shared wisdom, and discussed their experiences on the three key topics.
In the first word circle, “Indigenous women and their participation in politics, in decision-making spaces and the challenges and opportunities encountered,” Indigenous women emphasized the importance of being recognized as active subjects in politics and decision-making. They shared challenges such as violence, machismo, competition between women, and discrimination, for example for wearing their traditional clothing. They proposed solutions for increasing the visibility of Indigenous women, starting in the family, all the way to participation in politics. Media and communications can be a tool for change. Another solution proposed was the need for workshops for men to understand how to treat and work with women. One conclusion was clear – the need for regulations promoting parity and alternation, not just in the political sphere.
Those who did not have the opportunity to speak added their ideas with post-it notes to the wall, and this information was collected and incorporated into the dialogues the following day with stakeholders.
The next word circle, “Advocacy actions that can be implemented by communities to reduce violence against Indigenous women,” featured two life stories of Indigenous women survivors of violence who have managed to leave abusive relationships. They have taken on leadership roles in their communities, helping others to overcome violence.
Solutions were proposed at all levels, including the need for justice; training for women on rights and for the staff of institutions that guarantee women’s rights on how to provide dignified, respectful, accessible, and culturally relevant care; and the importance of self-love.
“I feel fortunate to be a Mayan woman,” said one participant.
Participants also discussed the importance of healing processes and ceremonies, and Nan Graciela Velasquez Chuc led a healing process with plants.
The final word circle of the day, “What is being done for the economic development and entrepreneurship of Indigenous women” included interventions from women involved in various economic projects, from textiles to chocolate and tomatoes. In the absence of political participation due to racism, economic development was noted as a key channel for Indigenous women’s empowerment.
Women shared their stories to create businesses, highlighting key challenges such as water scarcity, harvest loss, sanitary licenses, organizational strengthening, production equipment, and the need for increased technical knowledge. Indigenous women’s organizations have been overcoming these challenges through knowledge exchanges, healing from the Mayan cosmovision, and articulating exactly what they wanted to achieve. One participant noted that this is the definition of empowerment – knowing what you want and seeing the path to achieve it.
As a closing of this word circle, Patricia Chuc led a self-care and wellness activity that incorporated breathing, motion, and water.
The day concluded with a cultural evening with a performance by the Maya Kaqchikel group Sotz’il Jay and a reading by Mayan poet Negma Coy. It invited a reflection on how art can be healing and a uniting force.
Day 2: Collaborative dialogues with key actors
On the second day, key actors from communities, Indigenous Peoples’ authorities, local and national governments, UN agencies, implementing partners, multilateral organizations, businesses, and civil society joined the event for inclusive dialogues. The contributions and insights from Indigenous women gathered the previous day were organized into prioritized topics. These were then shared during the dialogues to ensure the creation of impactful actions and strategies that consider the identity and culture of Indigenous women.
The first dialogue “Actions to promote the political participation of Indigenous women” highlighted the importance of Indigenous women’s own mobilization and advocacy. Participants also noted the need for transparent information on resources directed to them, and for projects and programs that respond to Indigenous women’s realities, priorities, and leadership.
Indigenous women’s power and valuable contributions were highlighted, especially in the promotion of peace. Women have different ways of seeing and making decisions, and this complementarity is needed at all levels. One Indigenous woman participant noted the “wealth of the struggles we have in common.”
At the end of this dialogue, the Indigenous women participants read the demands they had formulated the day before, which included: reform of the Electoral and Political Parties Law, promoting that each political party has at least 50% participation of Indigenous women; creation and promotion of opportunities for women by the State to participate in socio-political environments under equal conditions; strengthening and financing of institutions created to protect and promote the rights of Indigenous women.
The second dialogue “Actions to prevent and reduce violence against Indigenous women” highlighted the importance of education of women and youth on their rights.
The women’s demands included: a judicial system that responds effectively to complaints of violence with cultural relevance; better medical and psychological health care for survivors of violence, as well as training for health personnel; mass visual and radio awareness campaigns aimed at the entire population to promote a culture of peace and prevention of violence; culturally relevant care for women in Mother languages with respect for their culture, beliefs, and way of life; laws, policies, plans and programs in favor of women respond to their needs and emerge from the grassroots level.
The final dialogue of the day “I support economic development and Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship” highlighted the need for concrete and transparent funding, beyond words of commitment.
The women read their demands in this area, mentioning: facilitating market access for Indigenous women’s products; providing women with seed capital to strengthen their enterprises; providing Indigenous women with new technologies and capacity building for their use, together with their Indigenous knowledge; promoting spaces for the exchange of experiences at the local, national, regional and international levels with Indigenous women entrepreneurs; and that implementing partners do not duplicate efforts, but rather develop integral processes according to their specialties to support enterprises.
To close the two-day event, participants received recognition awards created in wood with the name of the event in ancient Mayan epigraphic writing, before an energetic closing before the alter to end the two-day meeting.
Pioneering elements of this initiative
The FSC Indigenous Foundation introduced several pioneering elements at the event, emphasizing an Indigenous women’s cosmovision perspective.
One of the key innovations was providing simultaneous interpretation in the Mayan languages K’iche’ and Mam, in addition to Spanish and English, to facilitate participation in the women’s mother languages. The FSC-IF, in collaboration with Angloservicios, provided training for the K’iche’ and Mam interpreters on using Zoom’s virtual interpretation booths. This likely marks the first time simultaneous interpretation of Indigenous languages has been included in a national event in Guatemala.
Another crucial element was childcare provision, recognizing that many women cannot attend activities and workshops due to childcare responsibilities. The FSC-IF has incorporated childcare in all I-WEE workshops so mothers participate fully while their children engage and learn together. Facilitators used a ludo-pedagogical methodology, incorporating elements of the Mayan cosmovision for the children.
The way forward
This event underscores the commitment of the FSC Indigenous Foundation and its partners to support Indigenous women’s organizations in Guatemala to lead their development. The Meeting initiated concrete actions to promote Indigenous women’s economic, political, and social empowerment.
FSC-IF will consolidate the results of the dialogues of the meeting together with the demands articulated by Indigenous women. We will return this information to the Indigenous women’s organizations to accompany them, together with partners and allies, in positioning in different spaces and mechanisms of decision-making, resource mobilization, and design and implementation of programs and projects.
We are continuously seeking technical and financial partners to expand our work with I-WEE and other crucial initiatives. If your organization or business is interested in collaborating with us and with Indigenous women for sustainable change, we invite you to connect at fsc.if@fsc.org.
About I-WEE
The I-WEE initiative works with Indigenous women and girls in Guatemala and Honduras to promote their economic empowerment by strengthening capacities, generating enabling environments for their active participation and advocacy, and strengthening productive initiatives led by Indigenous women. It is implemented by FSC-IF in collaboration with partners AMBP, Hivos, UNDP, FAO, and UN Women / Indigenous Women’s Platform and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) with private sector partners.
About FSC Indigenous Foundation
The FSC Indigenous Foundation is a global Indigenous organization promoting Indigenous-led actions for their development and self-reliance. We work to elevate Indigenous Peoples in their contribution to the protection of Mother Earth and recognize them as providers of solutions and partners to fight against global challenges.
The Humanist Institute for the Cooperation with Developing Countries (Hivos) is an international organization working for a world in which people can realize their full potential and unleash their ingenuity and creativity to build just and sustainable societies for themselves and future generations. Hivos’ mission is to amplify and connect voices that promote social and environmental justice and challenge power imbalances.
