IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Co-Chairs: Laura Westra and John Scott

The Specialist Group on Indigenous Peoples (SGIP) is undertaking research to analyse how current regimes in selected countries protect the rights of  indigenous peoples in relation to conservation – including respect for indigenous knowledge and indigenous land rights. This research will
then be collated into a publication to empower indigenous peoples and to increase understanding of these issues within the conservation community.
In June 2007, Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, in partnership with the Global Ecological Integrity Group (GEIG), hosted the highly successful Ecological Integrity and a Sustainable Society Conference. Members of the
SGIP delivered a number of papers:

• SGIP Co-chair Laura Westra, a founder of GEIG, addressed the critical issue of Arctic peoples and Biodiversity – the interface between climate change and traditional ecological knowledge;
• SGIP Co-chair John Scott delivered an update on the
  indigenous peoples related work being carried out under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) with a focus on the development of elements of a code of ethical conduct to respect the intellectual and cultural heritage of indigenous peoples;
• Ana Rachel Teixeira Mazaudou presented a paper on the Effects of 15 Years Post-CBD on International Legal Protection of Traditional Knowledge: an FAO and WTO Analysis; and
• Melinda Janki presented a case study on Guyana on the question as to whether protected areas can preserve cultural and biological diversity. Her paper highlighted recent legislation in Guyana which gives Amerindian peoples control over their traditional knowledge as well as statutory recognition of their spiritual relationship with their land.

The SGIP also used the conference as a chance to meet and discuss a more strategic approach in relation to indigenous issues that could be taken by IUCN. Members noted that it was disappointing that indigenous peoples were not specifically recognized in the IUCN 2009-2012 intersessional
programme, but were included in a general category of ‘vulnerable stakeholders.’ Members highlighted that there is a need for indigenous peoples to be specifically recognized and protected as key players and rights holders in the conservation paradigm. Furthermore it was agreed that, although vulnerable and often poor, indigenous peoples have a lot to contribute to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, especially in the light of climate change. The SGIP is exploring how they can assist the implementation of the next and future IUCN programmes to be more inclusive of indigenous peoples’ issues.

The SGIP recommended that it was opportune for IUCN to build bridges and partnerships with indigenous peoples and in particular considered the following issues priorities:

1. The need for a policy on prior informed consent of indigenous peoples regarding establishment of protected areas;
2. The importance and usefulness of the recognition of community conservation areas;
3. Assistance in community mapping projects;
4. Partnerships with indigenous peoples in managing protected areas; and
5. Recognition and promotion of accredited training for indigenous peoples as park rangers and other jobs related to protected areas.

In view of the World Conservation Congress in Barcelona (October 2008), the SGIP also discussed and started planning for an indigenous panel on climate change, traditional knowledge and biodiversity as a side event for the meeting and have identified key indigenous speakers who will be invited.