First global funding pact launched to secure indigenous land rights
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Indigenous people under threat from companies seeking to develop their land for agriculture, mining and energy projects will be supported with money and practical help through a major global partnership backed by philanthropic and government funding.
The International Land and Forest Tenure Facility is the first initiative to provide grants to advance the rights of indigenous people to help them protect their forest land and resources.
“Creating mechanisms that allow indigenous peoples and local communities to gain tenure over their land or forests is a key way to tackle climate change and inequality,” said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, a major backer.
The facility won a $20 million pledge from Norway on Tuesday when it was launched at a land rights conference in Stockholm.
Photo courtesy of Pavel Ahmed.
Source: Reuters (link opens in a new window)
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