The Forest and Communities Initiative launches a call for action in favour of inclusive forest conservation

On this International Day of Forests, the Forests and Communities Initiative (FCI), led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, is launching a call for action to preserve forests and respect the rights of indigenous peoples. This appeal follows the first international conference organised by the Initiative in Monaco, in the presence of H.S. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, from 21 to 23 November 2023. Under the theme "Inclusive Conservation: Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the Forefront of Forest Protection", this conference brought together, alongside the Sovereign, more than a hundred participants: experts, scientists, representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities, including the five indigenous chiefs in the "Forest Guardians" series - Tumursukh Jal, Mundiya Kepanga, Twyla Edgi Masuzumi, Hilarion Kassa Moussavou known as "Mambogo" and Benki Piyäko - as well as photographer Sebastiao Salgado, activists Nemonte Nenquimo Waorani and Txai Surui, and renowned professors such as Carlos Nobre and Tasso Azevedo.

All signatories of the appeal are committed to forest conservation based on the recognition of indigenous knowledge, the promotion of rights and gender equality, and the alignment of national environmental laws and rethought funding and governance rules in this area. Based on the conclusions of the symposium, the Call for Action highlights the main challenges and proposes 19 concrete recommendations to overcome them.

These recommendations include the need to strengthen the protection of indigenous territories, promote the participation of local communities in decision-making, and invest in conservation initiatives led by indigenous peoples. These measures aim to ensure the preservation of forest ecosystems while respecting the rights and traditions of local populations.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco underlined the importance of this call to action, saying: "It is essential that we join forces to protect our forests and support the indigenous communities who have been their custodians for generations."

The indigenous leaders present also expressed their commitment to protecting the forests and their communities, stressing that "forest conservation is essential for the survival of our peoples and our planet".

The full Call for Action document is available online on the Forests and Communities initiative website, as well as on the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation website. The Forests and Communities initiative calls on all stakeholders to join this global effort to preserve forests and the communities that depend on them.

Click here to read the full Call for Action