FORDFOUNDATION.org – The crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPs and LCs) in shaping a more equitable and direct climate finance system. The article notes that although IPs and LCs legally own approximately 11% of the world's land and manage more than a third of the world's intact forests, less than 1% of global climate finance reaches them directly.
In addition to external support, IP and LC have also begun to create their own funding mechanisms, such as the Indigenous Peoples of Asia Solidarity Fund (IPAS), the Mesoamerican Territorial Fund, the Network of Community Funds from the Brazilian Amazon, and the Nusantara Fund from Indonesia.
This article explains that these funds not only support forest protection and strengthening collective rights, but also strengthen gender equality, food security, and community economic development. These community funds adapt their approaches to the cultural and social context of each region.
Nusantara Fund in Indonesia, which was launched in 2023 by AMAN, KPAand WALHI, described as the first direct funding mechanism in Indonesia to actively support IP and LC. The Nusantara Fund has supported the mapping of nearly 300.000 hectares of land, the establishment of customary schools, and the promotion of recognition of collective land management.
"Indigenous Peoples and local communities can be directly supported. I think that support will help make real progress in conservation and climate justice, and it is more effective than the current system. This will save lives and protect important cultural knowledge for future generations." Ode Rakhman, executive director of Nusantara Fund.
Source: https://www.fordfoundation.org/news-and-stories/stories/how-indigenous-peoples-and-local-communities-are-shaping-the-future-of-climate-funding/
