Recognizing Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCAs) Overlapped by Protected Areas
Introduction
This document, published as part of the IUCN WCPA Good Practice Guidelines Series No. 34, focuses on recognizing and integrating territories and areas conserved by Indigenous peoples and local communities (ICCAs) within protected areas. The guidelines are authored by Stan Stevens, with contributions from Cristina Eghenter, James Fitzsimons, Irakli Goradze, Jeremy Ironside, Charlotte Mellis, Steven Nitah, Philippine Parling, Giovanni Reyes, and Glaiza Tabanao.
Overview of IUCN and WCPA
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): A global organization founded in 1948, focusing on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods, and economic sustainability.
- WCPA (World Commission on Protected Areas): A specialized group under IUCN, providing guidance on protected and conserved areas, emphasizing governance, equity, and human rights.
- Supporting Organizations: The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the International Climate Initiative (IKI) support various initiatives related to climate and biodiversity.
Key Initiatives
- Global ICCA Support Initiative (GSI): Funded by BMUV IKI and implemented by the UNDP’s GEF Small Grants Programme, this initiative aims to support civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and community-based organizations.
- ICCA Consortium: A membership-based association dedicated to recognizing and supporting ICCAs, working globally to protect diverse ecosystems.
Core Guidelines
The guidelines emphasize the importance of recognizing and integrating ICCAs within protected areas to enhance biodiversity conservation and respect indigenous rights. Key points include:
- Collaborative Management: Encouraging partnerships between governments, NGOs, and local communities to manage protected areas effectively.
- Equitable Resource Use: Promoting fair and sustainable use of resources within ICCAs and protected areas.
- Legal Recognition: Ensuring that ICCAs are legally recognized and protected, respecting indigenous rights and traditional knowledge.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in decision-making processes to ensure their needs and perspectives are considered.
Practical Applications
- Case Studies: Detailed case studies highlighting successful integration of ICCAs within protected areas, showcasing best practices and lessons learned.
- Tools and Resources: Providing practical tools and resources to support the implementation of these guidelines, such as templates, checklists, and best practice examples.
Conclusion
Recognizing and integrating ICCAs within protected areas is crucial for effective biodiversity conservation and respecting indigenous rights. The guidelines offer a framework for collaborative management, equitable resource use, legal recognition, and community engagement, ensuring that both conservation goals and indigenous rights are respected and integrated.
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