Lucas Rivera Jaimes’ Post

A growing number of Indigenous Nations are pursuing nature-based solutions to advance their land relationship visions. Yet, Communities can face capacity barriers when it comes to accessing financing and getting new nature-based solutions initiatives off the ground. To understand capacity gaps and determine how to best respond, the Restore, Assert and Defend (RAD) Network recently conducted an ecosystem scan, summarized in their new report: “Cultivating Capacity: A Scan of Needs and Resources for Indigenous-led Nature-based Solutions” (available in English and French). The report offers reflections and recommendations on capacity gaps, spotlights existing resources and approaches, and outlines the role of various sectors and organizations in supporting these efforts. These initial findings are a valuable contribution to the nature investment dialogue as prioritizing and actively supporting Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship initiatives is not only socially equitable, but essential for achieving Canada’s nature and biodiversity goals. Our team is looking forward to collaborating with the RAD Network and other partners to turn the recommendations in this report into actionable outcomes - notably, closing the "awareness gap when it comes to understanding the range of viable conservation finance pathways" for Nations. Read the report and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gQsAVGTD Steven Nitah David Flood Terry Dorward Patricia (Trish) Nash Kim Neale Lara Powell Randi Russell Darcy Riddell Mary-Kate Craig Kerry-Ann Charles

Much of today’s economic activity ends up destroying wildlife habitats and converting natural ecosystems for human use – but there is a different way. That’s where nature positive comes in. It’s the idea that humans can still earn livelihoods but in ways that don’t hurt the environment and that allow nature to restore and replenish itself. With a UN framework for how to achieve a nature-positive future in place and 23 global targets identified, the challenge now is measuring the impact of nature-positive approaches and figuring out how best to advance them. In this new blog post, Jonathan Schwarz and Lauro Tito Ilagan weigh in on these topics and share examples of RTI-implemented projects 🇹🇿🇵🇭 that are putting nature positive into practice. https://lnkd.in/dRwHGHQa #Conservation #Sustainability #RTIforClimate

Today, on World’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day, IUCN continues to stand in solidarity with #Indigenous peoples. This year, we look especially to those in voluntary isolation and initial contact. These communities have unique relationships with their natural environments, which are often under threat from external pressures. Respecting their rights is not merely a matter of ethical responsibility but a crucial component of global #conservation efforts and ensuring the wellbeing of people. Indigenous knowledge is 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. IUCN calls for a strengthened partnership between the conservation community and Indigenous peoples worldwide, rooted in respect for their rights and the incorporation of their traditional knowledge into #global conservation strategies and policies. 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 join hands to build a future where our conservation efforts are grounded in respect, collaboration, and a shared vision.

We absolutely love this recent article in The Guardian, as it reinforces what WeForest believes and practices in our projects across the world 🌍 A recent study led by Dr. Trisha Gopalakrishna, published in PNAS, confirms that environmental projects can successfully benefit both nature and people when designed with an ‘integrated’ approach. This means combining goals like carbon capture, biodiversity restoration, and supporting local livelihoods. The research found that these integrated strategies could achieve over 80% of the desired outcomes across all three areas simultaneously. Our mission is to conserve and restore forest landscapes with local communities, delivering lasting solutions that benefit everyone. Whether it’s restoring the Atlantic Forest with climate-friendly livelihoods or supporting female-led micro-businesses like honey harvesting in Zambia, we know that restoration isn’t just about the climate - it’s about communities too. That’s why our ethos is to restore land for people, nature, and climate; all are inextricably linked. By working closely with local communities and championing individuals, we’re reminded that when we take care of the planet, it takes care of us too 💚 📰: https://lnkd.in/eByM2mEX #climatesolutions #oneearth #carboncapture

🌲 The Great Bear Forest Carbon Project: Leading the Way in Indigenous-Led Environmental Conservation 🌲 The Great Bear Forest Carbon Project is transforming conservation and economic development for First Nations communities. This groundbreaking initiative not only protects vital forests but also creates sustainable income through carbon offsets. Covering over 6 million hectares, it is the world's largest project of its kind and Canada’s first Indigenous-led carbon offset program. Key Benefits: 🌳 65% of carbon offset revenue funds stewardship programs 🌿 35% is allocated to community-driven initiatives Impact on Communities: 🛡️ Supports Guardian Watchmen programs to protect lands and waters 🐟 Funds resource technicians, fisheries guardians, and park rangers 🐻 Enables bear safety education programs 🏫 Finances youth centers and renovated Elder facilities The Great Bear Forest Carbon Project exemplifies how environmental conservation can drive economic prosperity and cultural preservation for Indigenous communities. #FirstNations #Sustainability #CarbonOffsets #Conservation

This article in the Guardian is an important reminder that carbon is not the end goal. Rather the defense and support of nature and local livelihoods. Recent research shows that with careful planning it is possible to develop integrated projects that can deliver on carbon sequestration, restore biodiversity, and support local livelihoods all at the same time with 80-90% of the return of focusing on only one aspect. https://lnkd.in/e3deMVEB

New in our series from Rachel McMonagle, Landesa Program Director: "A rights-based approach to conservation that puts local communities at the center of sustainable land management plans is both an equitable solution and the best option for the planet. Governments can achieve better conservation and climate outcomes when they empower local communities, Indigenous peoples, women, and youth to lead restoration, conservation, and climate action initiatives." Read more: https://refore.st/3RdoA0N

The Coral Triangle Conservation Fund (CTCF) is deeply committed to Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, recognizing the vital connection between terrestrial and marine ecosystems.  Through establishing and ensuring effectively managed MPCAs, some of which cover not only the sea but also land and coast, we support Target 15.5, which aims to halt biodiversity loss and protect natural habitats. We will also support the identification and reduction of threats to biologically significant areas under improved natural resource management. By empowering governments, civil society, private actors, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to engage in the equitable and sustainable use and conservation of marine and coastal resources, with a target being the improvement of socioeconomic equality, we will directly contribute to Target 15.9, which integrates ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, and poverty reduction strategies. By collaborating with local communities and stakeholders, we ensure that land-based conservation measures complement the marine protection strategies in a way that is equitable and sustainable, fostering a holistic approach to conserving the Coral Triangle’s extraordinary biodiversity. Find out more on our website: www.coraltrianglefund.org #CTCF #SDG15 #LifeOnLand #EcosystemRestoration #CoralTriangle #Conservation Photo Credits: James Morgan / Bajau Laut: Last of The Sea Nomads  

#MangroveDay# Today, let's celebrate the beauty and essential ecosystem benefits of mangroves. These unique habitats play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Preserving and restoring mangroves is vital for a sustainable future. We urge technical and financial partners to support civil society actors working with mangroves. Let's enhance capacities and provide subsidies for scaling up successful practices. Together, we can make a difference. Enjoy the celebration! 🌿 Unccd Convention UNFCCC UN # UN Biodiversity Mangrove Action Project (MAP) Global Mangrove Alliance Global Mangrove Trust Terra Global Capital PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa Mangroves Ecosystem United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration @mangroves action project #WetlandsInternational #MangroveConservation #EcosystemRestoration 🌊🌳

NATURE IS STAGING A COMEBACK: UN recognises 7 World restoration projects that are expected to restore nearly 40 million hectares of land & create around 500,000 jobs. These projects offer proof that it is possible to reverse ecosystem degradation at scale. https://ow.ly/qg7Q50QH179