Public policy recommendations – Traditionally managed forests in territories controlled by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLC) are a vital contribution to biodiversity conservation. They are key to struggles for climate justice and for preventing the decline and extinction of biodiversity.

However, in large part due to their natural wealth, these territories are constantly threatened by exploitation through different activities including mining, logging, underground extraction and conservation schemes that expel and displace peoples. These threats often become realities due in part to the absence of public policies that recognise the importance of forest management, use and conservation by IPLCs, and at the same time respect and strengthen their collective
rights to these practices and territories.

Our analysis and recommendations in this text focus on Indigenous Peoples and Community-Conserved Territories and Areas (ICCAs), Community Forest Management and the essential rights required for their realisation. We focus on self-determination and autonomy; participation in decision-making; land and territory; conservation, protection and restoration of ecosystems; protection of traditional knowledge and cultures; the right to well-being; and gender justice.

The recommendations presented in this document can and should be adapted to national conditions to ensure greater success in the advocacy processes that various social movements or organisations carry out to shape or reform public policies.