The Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Phase 2 Report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made towards inclusive conservation practices and the implementation of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local communities (LCs)-led initiatives over the past year. Supported by the Global Environment Facility, this initiative highlights the leadership of IPs and LCs in conservation efforts and the delivery of global environmental benefits.
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO of the GEF, emphasizes the critical importance of this approach: “Indigenous Peoples and local communities are the stewards of much of our global environment. The Global Environment Facility is committed to growing the financial resources and support to Indigenous Peoples and local communities so they can continue this vital work.”
A key focus of the Phase 2 Report is inclusive finance, which is central to ICI’s mission. By ensuring direct access to funding, IPs and LCs can implement self-determined initiatives through their customary governance structures, fostering a rights-based approach to conservation. This year, ICI delivered $14.5 million in direct access agreements with Indigenous-led initiatives across multiple countries. These agreements, ranging from $1 million to $2 million per project, demonstrate the effectiveness of direct financing in enabling IPs and LCs to manage their territories sustainably and uphold their collective rights. The report also emphasizes a “learning by doing” approach that ICI has had as its philosophy since its inception. This approach has enabled adaptability and learning for both projects and agencies, while complying with GEF requirements, setting up new financial systems, and addressing leadership changes within Indigenous communities.
The ICI Phase 2 Report outlines a vision for continued progress and impact, with a strong focus on the implementation of IP-led initiatives. It underscores the transformative potential of inclusive conservation, highlighting the critical role of IPs and LCs in safeguarding biodiversity and addressing climate change. By recognizing and supporting the leadership of IPs and LCs, ICI is paving the way for a sustainable and equitable future.