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The Americas

Indigenous peoples across the Americas are facing significant challenges to their way of life due to a variety of factors, including extractivism, drug trafficking and land grabs. A key struggle across the region is for formalised titling of collective lands.

In the Americas, we partner with Chirapaq, Centre for Indigenous Cultures of Peru and the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampis Nation (GTANW) in Peru, who are working to address these issues.

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IIFB representatives at COP16

Outcomes of COP16 for Indigenous Peoples and local communities

The Conference of the Parties related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use had many positive outcomes, but ultimately was suspended without all decisions being finalised. In October 2024, governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, local community representatives and other key actors came together in Cali, Colombia to…
27.11.24

Conservation and Human Rights: An Introduction

This guidance is intended as a resource for conservation professionals who are interested to learn more about the relationship between conservation and human rights, especially the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. A huge amount has been written on this topic over the past…
30.10.24
Blog

Training resources on the Convention on Biological Diversity

This booklet series provides Indigenous Peoples and local communities with key insights into the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and its Target 3, focusing on their rights and participation in global conservation efforts. It offers guidance on engaging…
28.10.24

Ensuring the sustainability of customary use on Indigenous and community-held lands

This guide is for local organisations (e.g. community-based organisations and trusted local non-governmental organisations) which are supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IP & LCs) in their desire to assess the sustainability of natural resources on their lands (both terrestrial and marine), and implement activities…
17.10.24
Video

Mapping and Monitoring in Indigenous Territories

This film is made by six indigenous filmmakers from Asia, Latin America and Africa, about mapping and monitoring in indigenous territories. The film is designed to raise community awareness and looks into ancestral and technological approaches to mapping and monitoring, as well as the benefits…
30.09.24
Blog

‘Remarkable’ progress made towards incorporating traditional knowledge into the Biodiversity Plan

This article was originally published on the UNEP-WCMC website.   Countries must respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to achieve the world’s major international commitment on biodiversity, the Biodiversity Plan. This includes acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ rights to nature and their…
05.07.24

Further info

Indigenous peoples in the Americas have a deep connection to the natural world and their traditional territories, which often overlap with areas of high biodiversity. However, they face significant challenges in maintaining their ways of life and protecting their lands and natural resources. 

One of the main threats to indigenous peoples and biodiversity in the Americas is the expansion of agribusiness, mining, and infrastructure development, which often leads to the destruction of forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems. This can have devastating impacts on indigenous communities, who rely on these resources for their livelihoods and cultural practices. 

Indigenous communities in the Americas also face threats from illegal hunting, fishing, logging and drug trafficking, as well as the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods. In addition, many indigenous peoples have historically faced discrimination and marginalization from governments and dominant societies, which has limited their ability to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lands and resources. 

Despite these challenges, many indigenous communities in the Americas are actively working to protect their lands and natural resources, often with the support of civil society groups and international organizations. These efforts include community-based conservation initiatives that promote sustainable land use practices, as well as advocacy and legal action to defend indigenous rights and territories. 

Migreth Berna López (22 years old), of the Yanesha people, in an exchange of knowledge. Community of Shiringamazu, district of Palcazu, province of Oxapampa, Pasco region, Peru.
Migreth Berna López (22 years old), of the Yanesha people, in an exchange of knowledge. Community of Shiringamazu, district of Palcazu, province of Oxapampa, Pasco region. Photo: Luisenrrique Becerra Velarde / CHIRAPAQ.
Wampis in assembly in Kankaim, Peru.
Wampis in assembly in Kankaim. Photo: Evaristo Pujupat / GTANW