Indigenous Peoples play an essential role in managing, protecting, and understanding critical forest territories worldwide. Marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Forests and Communities Initiative (FCI) - led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation - has highlighted practical, community-driven models designed to safeguard ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods.
In Southeast Asia, the initiative partners with Samdhana through the CLENCHED program. In Central Sulawesi, one of the primary efforts supported is assisting the Ngata Nggolo people in mapping their customary territory, advancing its official recognition, and engaging younger generations in preserving and transmitting local knowledge.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the initiative collaborates with CTIDD on the PRC-PROZAC project. In the village of Ilema, the organization AFPEQ is developing a 10-hectare community initiative that plants fruit trees alongside species supporting edible caterpillar production, successfully pairing biodiversity restoration with sustainable new sources of income.
While different territories require distinct priorities and regional approaches, these efforts underscore a central imperative: meaningful forest conservation depends on supporting locally led action and empowering communities to shape the future of their own territories.
Photo credit: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Instagram