The Ywy Ipuranguete project in Brazil, funded by the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, aims to empower Indigenous Peoples in managing their territories across 15 Indigenous lands. It focuses on enhancing sustainable practices, community governance, and biodiversity protection, with an investment of $9 million. The initiative highlights the crucial role of Indigenous knowledge in addressing environmental challenges and fostering ecological balance.
A new initiative, named Ywy Ipuranguete, has been launched in Brazil under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) to empower Indigenous Peoples in managing their territories. Spanning 6 million hectares across diverse biomes, the project aims to enhance management in 15 Indigenous lands, home to approximately 57,000 Indigenous individuals, promoting ecological balance and sustainable practices.
This project is coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI) and managed by the Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (FUNBIO). Its objectives include improving sustainable territorial management and expanding the protection of vital biodiversity zones. The Ywy Ipuranguete initiative was officially unveiled on March 18 in Brasília, assembling government officials, funding entities, and Indigenous leaders.
Sonia Guajajara, the Minister of Indigenous Peoples, stated, “The Indigenous Peoples are the true guardians of the forest, and this project reinforces the essential role they play in environmental conservation and combating the climate emergency.” The International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) will execute the initiative, supported by the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai), with funding from the GBFF.
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I am delighted that one of the first projects of the GBFF supports the involvement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities…” Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO of the GEF, emphasized that “supporting Indigenous Peoples in managing their territories means strengthening global biodiversity protection.”
With a financial investment of $9 million, Ywy Ipuranguete aims to enhance environmental monitoring, fortify Indigenous governance, and foster sustainable economic opportunities, empowering communities to manage their territories autonomously. Rosa Lemos de Sá, Secretary-General of FUNBIO, underlined that the protection of Indigenous lands fosters a sustainable future based on Indigenous wisdom.
The project prioritizes the implementation of Indigenous Territorial and Environmental Management Instruments (IGATIs), pivotal for sustainable land use. These mechanisms are integral to the National Policy for Territorial and Environmental Management of Indigenous Lands (PNGATI), ensuring Indigenous involvement in governance and land management decisions.
Key actions planned include: 1. Monitoring and territorial protection through enhanced community infrastructure and surveillance means; 2. Sustainable economic development via support for Indigenous product chains; 3. Training and cultural appreciation to promote leadership among younger generations; 4. Food sovereignty initiatives focused on sustainable agricultural practices for food security and ecological restoration.
The Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (FUNBIO) collaborates with the government and other pro-conservation entities to allocate resources for effective biodiversity conservation. Since its inception in 1996, FUNBIO has supported over 700 projects across Brazil.
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) seeks to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, assisting countries in enhancing biodiversity management and mobilizing resources, including private sector financing. To date, the GBFF has allocated over $200 million for biodiversity projects, significantly facilitating Indigenous-led actions.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) unites multiple multilateral funds dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges through integrated financing strategies. The GEF has distributed over $26 billion in funding over 30 years, aiding countries in overcoming environmental hurdles.
The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI), established in 2023, formulates policies to safeguard Indigenous rights. Under Minister Sonia Guajajara’s guidance, the MPI promotes the well-being of Indigenous communities while protecting their territories.
The National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai) safeguards Indigenous rights and ensures territorial autonomy through land surveillance and ethno-development initiatives, while the International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) builds local capacities for socio-environmental management and promotes the training of Indigenous leaders.
The Ywy Ipuranguete initiative represents a significant commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples in Brazil, enhancing their role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of their territories. By prioritizing their insights and governance, this project not only addresses ecological needs but also uplifts Indigenous communities, ensuring their culture and knowledge are valued. It aligns with global biodiversity objectives and exemplifies the importance of Indigenous stewardship in fostering environmental resilience.
Original Source: www.thegef.org
