Forum leaders call on governments to recognize the contributions of indigenous peoples in the fight against climate change

Leaders attending the 4th Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, held at the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD’s) headquarters, called on governments to recognise indigenous peoples’ contributions in the fight to reduce the impacts of climate change and encourage around the world.

The Forum, which included representatives from 30 countries, focused on monitoring and evaluating the implementation of IFAD’s Policy on Engagement with Indigenous Peoples and on promoting their participation in IFAD activities at country, regional and international levels, as well as at all stages of project and programme cycles. The Forum supports IFAD in translating the policy’s principles into action on the ground.

IFAD’s policy on indigenous peoples, which was developed over ten years ago, includes nine principles that underscore IFAD’s commitment towards the rights of indigenous peoples in the context of the organization’s mandate to reduce rural poverty and hunger.

“Indigenous peoples are frequently marginalized, suffer violations of their human rights and are too-often excluded from – and harmed by – development processes,” said Indigenous Peoples’ Forum Steering Committee Chairperson Myrna Cunningham.” At the same time, indigenous peoples have demonstrated resilience to preserve their identities, having maintained and adapted their systems and practices to cope with changing circumstances.”

Indigenous peoples traditions and knowledge have great potential to contribute to climate-resilient adaptation techniques for sustainable development, offering solutions to some of the world’s most intractable problems.

“Partnership with indigenous peoples is part of IFAD’s DNA, and it has been fortified over the years. Thanks to your guidance, we have improved the design of projects to better meet the needs of indigenous peoples. This dialogue has vastly improved our understanding,” said IFAD President Gilbert F. Houngbo.

The final deliberations of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum will be presented to Member States attending IFAD’s Governing Council meeting on 14 February 2019.

Original source: IFAD
Published on 13 February 2019