Webinar - Guardians of the Earth: Indigenous Women at the Forefront of Biodiversity Conservation ENG

Join us for a unique online gathering to mark the International Day of Indigenous Women and hear directly from women Indigenous leaders as we make a united call for recognition of their roles as custodians of biological diversity, and advocate for their full participation in the decision-making processes.

Panelists:

Agnes Leina, Massai People, Vice President and Gender Coordinator, Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC), Kenya

Mayal Lepcha, Lepcha Indigenous People, Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (SILTA), India

Wilma Mendoza, Mosetén Indigenous People, President of the National Confederation of Indigenous Women of Bolivia (CNAMIB)

Yolanda Terán, International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB)

Shruti Ajit, CBD Women’s Caucus and Women4Biodiversity

Watch the recording to learn about the traditional practices led by Indigenous women to preserve and maintain biological diversity. Together, learn how we can help promote a locally-based approach consistent with the spiritual and cultural values and customary practices of Indigenous women and voice their concerns and proposals to scale up policy action towards the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of traditional knowledge and practices.

The courage and essential roles of Indigenous women are increasingly valued, as they are the primary custodians of local biodiversity. They maintain healthy ecosystems, ensure nutritious foods, uphold food sovereignty, fight climate change, and nourish a sense of communality, local identity, and culture. These elements are crucial in resisting extractivism, colonialism, racism, patriarchal practices, and totalitarian assimilation.