Indigenous people and forests

Abstract

While there is no binding definition of indigenous peoples, this text tries to make an approximation by using criteria that have been formulated by some leading institutions. It also provides some quantitative data regarding numbers: number of people belonging to indigenous peoples and number of indigenous peoples who depend on forest resources for their livelihood. Finally, it highlights some distinct characteristics of indigenous peoples related to land, language, spirituality, social organization, and traditional knowledge, which are aspects that rise in relation to forest resources. Chapter 1 also presents the cases of four indigenous peoples in four different continents, and it explores their relationship with nature, specifically to forest resources. Although each case is embedded in ecological, political, and different socioeconomic conditions, they are linked by a holistic view of the universe in which all elements are interrelated and the conditions of each of them affect others. Chapter 2 presents two areas within the context of climate change and conservation, in which indigenous peoples are essential stakeholders: the REDD+ programs and Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas and Territories. It seeks to highlight the main contextual, conceptual, and procedural elements that characterize each area. The subchapter on fieldwork presents recommendations for the development of forestry projects or programs with indigenous communities. The main steps are preparation and planning, implementation, and evaluation and closing.