Listening to indigenous peoples, an imperative to ensure the preservation of forests

On the occasion of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, an OP-ED by Carol Portabella, President of the Spanish branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, was published in the Spanish paper EFE Verde, on the importance of listening to indigenous peoples to protect our forests. She emphasizes the vital role Indigenous peoples play in preserving the world's forests and biodiversity. Indigenous communities, who make up 6% of the global population, are the best guardians of ecosystems, with 91% of their managed territories in good ecological condition. Despite their crucial role, they face significant threats from deforestation, large-scale mining, and climate change. To protect these ecosystems, conservation policies must include Indigenous knowledge, respect their land rights, and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.

This article also highlights the importance of the Forests and Communities Initiative (FCI), an effort by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to recognize and amplify the role of Indigenous peoples in forest conservation. Through initiatives like FCI, the Foundation convenes international conferences, such as the one held in Monaco in November 2023, where over 100 Indigenous representatives and experts discussed inclusive conservation practices. The FCI emphasizes strengthening the protection of Indigenous communities and involving them in natural resource management. The initiative also issued a Call for Action with 19 recommendations to unite efforts in supporting these natural guardians of ecosystems, reinforcing the need for global cooperation to protect both forests and the communities that safeguard them.

Urgent action is needed to safeguard both the environment and the rights of Indigenous communities.

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