Every living being on Earth is affected by climate change, but geographic and economic factors make certain communities more vulnerable to its effects than others.
Every day, indigenous peoples and local communities in tropical climates face challenging decisions that affect their livelihoods and traditional lands. Long-term success will only be possible when indigenous peoples and local communities are guaranteed "free, prior and informed consent" – when they are full participants in the decision-making process and ensured that any agreements take into account their traditional knowledge and practices, livelihoods and well-being. Furthermore, indigenous and local groups should receive equitable incentives in return for climate regulation activities in areas that they effectively conserve.
Indigenous peoples and local communities know their lands and resources and have been adapting to environmental changes for a long time. Their local knowledge and traditional practices will be critical as we implement climate change solutions. Observations from local experts tracking changes in animal migration and ecosystem health – as well as alternative practices for gathering water, growing crops and other daily activities – will be critical elements in maintaining ecosystem services in the face of a changing climate. CI works to support inclusion of these elements in the national and international climate change policy dialogue and planning processes.
In order to ensure local stakeholder participation in policy dialogues, CI is helping to establish the legal and institutional frameworks that will link the results from local carbon projects to decisions made by national and international stakeholders. To raise local awareness, CI and partner organizations have coordinated a wide variety of workshops, training sessions and roundtable discussions in communities around the world, and we are continuing to work closely with these communities in order to build on results.
Local policy examples:
Amazon Forest, Brazil
One of the largest indigenous communities inhabiting the Amazon forest, the Kayapó have been partnering with CI to create forest protection solutions since 1992, working alongside local partners to teach effective monitoring solutions and develop appropriate benefit-sharing mechanisms. We are also supporting efforts in the states of Pará and Amapá to improve existing payment for ecosystem services legislation to incorporate REDD+.
Chiapas, Mexico
In the highly-forested and poverty-stricken state of Chiapas, CI is working with the government to incorporate local climate projections and adaptation strategies into a state-wide Climate Action Plan. Once adopted, the plan aims to be a model for other Mexican states as they struggle to formulate similar plans.
Guatemala
In Guatemala, CI is working to support the policy influence of the Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Roundtable in order to obtain recognition for land rights, protect sacred sites and maintain livelihoods. CI is providing financial and technical support at the national level and advising on the legal frameworks necessary for climate change policy.
Belize
CI is assisting the Indigenous Peoples Conservation Alliance in Belize to learn more about climate change implications in their country. We are also conducting "Training for Trainers" workshops between both countries.