IUCN Director General's statement on Indigenous Peoples' Day
'Indigenous knowledge and practices are a cornerstone of effective nature conservation'
On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) continues to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, especially those in voluntary isolation and initial contact. We raise our voices in support of Indigenous Peoples around the world. Their human rights need to be respected and their rights to land and resources need to be recognised.
Protecting their rights is not merely a matter of ethical responsibility, but also a crucial component of global conservation efforts. Indigenous Peoples around the world have invaluable traditional knowledge and unique relationships with their natural environments, which are often under threat from external pressures.
Indigenous knowledge and practices are a cornerstone of effective nature conservation. Centuries of interaction with their surroundings have equipped Indigenous Peoples with profound insights into sustainable resource management, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. Their practices and worldviews offer innovative solutions and a holistic understanding of environmental stewardship, which is essential for addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and habitat loss.
Many Indigenous people around the world continue, after so many years, to fight for their rights to their land and resources. At IUCN, we know that the conservation of natural resources goes hand in hand with supporting their rights and wisdom.
IUCN has and will continue to actively join forces with Indigenous Peoples. We are proud to have Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations as IUCN Members; they have strengthened our voice as a Union with their wisdom.
As we celebrate this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, may we be inspired by the deep connections between these communities and the natural world. Let us build a future where our conservation efforts are grounded in respect, collaboration, and a shared vision.