Together, let’s keep this commitment alive. For the Peoples. For the Forests. For the Future.
Every year on August 9, the world marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This day is an opportunity to recognize their vital role in preserving global biodiversity, especially in ecologically rich and strategic regions such as the Congo Basin.
On this occasion, the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Indigenous Peoples, in line with the priorities outlined in the Franco-Gabonese Co-Facilitation roadmap.
A Roadmap Centered on Rights and Recognition
In its 2023–2025 roadmap, the Franco-Gabonese Co-Facilitation of the CBFP places Indigenous Peoples at the heart of its five strategic priorities:
- Dialogue and Scientific Cooperation: Promoting participatory research that integrates Indigenous knowledge for the sustainable management of forests.
- Land Use Planning and Sustainable Value Chains: Supporting inclusive management of forest territories that respects customary rights and meets the economic needs of Indigenous communities.
- Innovative Financing: Developing financial mechanisms that directly benefit local communities and strengthen their capacities.
- Visibility and International Advocacy: Elevating the voices of Indigenous Peoples on the international stage to promote recognition of their rights.
- Synergies and Partnerships: Strengthening dialogue with Indigenous networks and building lasting alliances with other stakeholders committed to forest protection and community wellbeing.
Concrete Actions by the CBFP
- Inclusion in Forest Governance: The CBFP supports the integration of Indigenous voices and knowledge in decision-making bodies and forest management policies, in partnership with networks such as REPALEAC.
- Dedicated Advocacy and Funding: The CBFP mobilizes its partners to sustainably improve the living conditions of Indigenous communities and support targeted initiatives in education, health, and conservation.
- Active Participation in International Forums: Through strong representation and support for major events including the subregional conference on environmental crime and human-wildlife conflict management (July 2025, Libreville, Gabon); the first Global Congress of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities of Forest Basins (May 2025, Brazzaville, Congo); the workshop on sustainable value chains (December 2024, Douala, Cameroon); and the One Forest Summit as well as funding Indigenous representatives’ participation in UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs), the CBFP promotes Indigenous leadership and calls for stronger recognition of their rights and contributions in all conservation and climate action strategies.
A Clear Commitment for 2025 and Beyond
On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2025, the CBFP delivers a clear message:
“Indigenous Peoples are indispensable actors in conservation. Their expertise, ancestral connection to the land, and dedication to forest protection deserve recognition, safeguarding, and support.”
By fostering more inclusive forest governance, the CBFP contributes to building a future in which the rights, dignity, and cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples are fully respected.
Together, let’s keep this commitment alive.
For the Peoples. For the Forests. For the Future.
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