IWGIA's focus areas

Written on 25 August 2017.

We work through a global network of indigenous peoples' organisations and international human rights bodies. We promote the recognition, respect and implementation of indigenous pepoles' rights to land, cultural intergrity, inclusion in climate action and participation in local and international decision-making processes on their own terms.

Our ambition is that by 2030 we have a world where systematic discrimination is no longer tolerated, where indigenous peoples’ rights are respected and their knowledge valued in climate change and conservation actions, and where indigenous peoples determine the future of their land.

Land rights

Loss of land and natural resources threaten the survival of indigenous peoples. For indigenous peoples losing land means losing culture, history and identity.

IWGIA empowers indigenous peoples to operationalise territorial self-governance and advocate for securing their land rights.

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Climate action

Given their dependence on nature, indigenous peoples are some of the first to face the consequences of climate change, but they also hold traditional knowledge that can help mitigate climate change.

IWGIA promotes the inclusion of indigenous peoples in global, national and local climate action.

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Global governance

The future of indigenous peoples depends on their inclusion in processes that affect their lives.

IWGIA supports indigenous peoples in benefitting from regional human rights mechanisms, global agendas and the UN system.

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