Research has consistently shown that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) manage vast portions of our planet's land surface, harbouring 80% of global biodiversity. However, their land rights are often disregarded, leaving them vulnerable to external threats and inhibiting their ability to protect their territories from deforestation, biodiversity loss, and damage to culturally significant sites.

International corporate buyers, investors and producers play a pivotal role and need to do more to ensure that the companies they work with, purchase from, or invest in are respecting the land and resource rights of IPLCs. By doing so, they can advance their sustainability commitments and support preserving human rights enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the ILO 169 Convention.

In this webinar, through engaging presentations and real-life examples, we explored successful case studies highlighting how companies can respect their rights, combat deforestation, and safeguard biodiversity. Watch the recording as we delve into the transformative power of recognising and respecting Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities' (IPLC) land and resource rights.

Speakers:
Inza Koné, Director General of the Swiss Centre for Scientific Research in Côte d'Ivoire, presenting on the work of the Forest Conservation Fund
Erith Ngatchou, Country Head (Cameroon), CSE Africa, Earthworm Foundation
Deeanna Izony, Executive Director, Tsay Keh Dene Nation
Solange Bandiaky-Badji, Coordinator & President, Rights & Resources Initiative (RRI)