{"id":446575,"date":"2026-07-03T12:42:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T11:42:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?p=446575"},"modified":"2026-07-03T13:01:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T12:01:16","slug":"five-years-of-impact-strengthening-locally-led-forest-governance-rights-and-livelihoods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/five-years-of-impact-strengthening-locally-led-forest-governance-rights-and-livelihoods\/","title":{"rendered":"Five years of impact: strengthening locally-led forest governance, rights and livelihoods"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tropical rainforests around the world are under growing pressure from agricultural expansion, mining and resource extraction, infrastructure development and climate change. At the same time, the space for civil society organisations, Indigenous peoples and local communities to defend these forests is shrinking. More than ever, effective, inclusive and rights-based approaches are needed to protect forests and the people who depend on them.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\"><em>Header photo:<\/em> <em>Forest Patrol in Indonesia (c) Stephanie Broekarts\/IUCN NL<\/em><\/mark><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>That\u2019s precisely what IUCN NL and its partners sought to do. We worked with Indigenous peoples and local communities (IP&amp;LCs) through the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA) programme <em>Forests for a Just Future <\/em>(2021-2025) to strengthen locally-led forest governance. The evidence <span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_446575_1('footnote_plugin_reference_446575_1_1');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_446575_1('footnote_plugin_reference_446575_1_1');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_446575_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_446575_1_1\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">WRI: Indigenous and Community Forests:&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_446575_1('footnote_plugin_reference_446575_1_1');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_446575_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_446575_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> is clear: when Indigenous peoples and local communities have real decision-making power, forest protection is more effective, equitable and sustainable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The programme shows that five years on, locally-led approaches deliver real impact. This article presents key results, lessons learnt, and what is needed to build on this momentum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What we set out to do<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>With the Forests for a Just Future programme, we set out to strengthen the role of Indigenous peoples and local communities in the effective and equitable governance of forests, with the aim to mitigate and adapt to climate change, fulfil human rights and safeguard local livelihoods.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The Alliance worked with CSO partners in eleven countries in Africa, Asia and South America through three interlinked lines of action: supporting IP&amp;LC-led forest governance; addressing key drivers of deforestation, and strengthening civic space and security of environmental defenders. Throughout the programme, inclusion, gender equality and the meaningful participation of women and youth were central.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"background background-preset-secondary\" id=\"block_3c94f36555ff63545dade22be69eb0dc\">\n             <div class=\"dark custom-padding-top\">\n    \n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The impact of the Green Livelihoods Alliance from 2021-2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Funded over <strong>80 civil society organisations<\/strong> in South America, Africa, and Asia;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>41.2 million hectares of forest<\/strong> under sustainable forest management;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>282 policy changes<\/strong> to safeguard forests;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The programme has reached more than <strong>262,000 people<\/strong> (including 13,200 young women and 28,900 young men);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IUCN NL provided <strong>\u20ac130.370 in emergency funds<\/strong> to 33 requests from environmental organisations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GLA-Map-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-446611 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GLA-Map-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GLA-Map-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GLA-Map-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GLA-Map-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GLA-Map-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GLA-Map.png 2000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key achievements: locally-led forest governance in action<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Over the five years of the programme, we achieved a number of impactful successes together with partners in forest landscapes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communities leading forest protection<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Under the programme, Indigenous peoples and local communities secured or strengthened governance for over 14.1 million hectares of forest across 11 countries. With these results, GLA also contributed directly to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tenurepledge.org\/cop-26-pledge\">IP&amp;LC Forest Tenure Pledge<\/a>, showing how international commitments on community forest tenure can be advanced through locally-led governance and sustained civil society action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community rights as a foundation for forest protection<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In Indonesia, for example, community-led forest management and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/sustainable-forest-management-in-west-sumatra\/\">social forestry permits<\/a> strengthened locally-led forest governance, decision-making and community rights. In Sumatra alone, IUCN NL\u2019s partnership with WARSI resulted in 37 villages having secured village forest (\u2018hutan desa\u2019) rights over 65,000 hectares of high-biodiverse forest. This was done in strategic locations such as the buffer zone of a national park or a corridor between two protected areas. These approaches resulted in increased forest conservation and more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/creating-sustainable-futures-enhancing-agarwood-production-in-west-sumatra\/\">resilient and sustainable livelihoods<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), women farmers who live and work on the outskirts of Virunga National Park adopted drought-resilient techniques such as agroforestry, mulching and organic fertiliser use. This helped protect livelihoods while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/congolese-womens-association-champions-drought-resilient-farming\/\">reducing pressure on the park\u2019s forests<\/a>.<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer is-style-responsive-small\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-414736 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\">Organic rice fields in Sumpur Kudus (c) Stephanie Broekarts\/IUCN NL<\/mark><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Forest Patrol in Indonesia (c) Stephanie Broekarts\/IUCN NL\" class=\"wp-image-446616 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/1440;aspect-ratio:1.4992783367222382;width:378px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\">Forest Patrol in Indonesia (c) Stephanie Broekarts\/IUCN NL<\/mark><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer is-style-responsive-medium\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monitoring for accountability<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/congolese-womens-association-champions-drought-resilient-farming\/\">Community-based monitoring<\/a> also proved to be a powerful tool for strengthening community-led forest governance. Across the DRC, Bolivia and Indonesia, Indigenous peoples and local communities combined traditional knowledge with technologies such as GPS, drones, camera traps and digital traceability tools to monitor biodiversity, track deforestation, detect illegal activities and support sustainable livelihoods. By generating their own evidence, communities were better able to protect their forests, defend their rights and hold governments and companies accountable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>A key lesson emerged from a joint learning process involving 39 GLA partners across 11 countries. The resulting report on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/publicatie\/report-locally-led-sustainable-development\/\">locally-led sustainable development<\/a> shows that lasting forest protection depends on local leadership, recognition of local knowledge, stronger community decision-making, and more flexible support for IP&amp;LCs. In other words, communities must be recognised not as beneficiaries, but as key decision-makers whose knowledge and priorities shape more effective solutions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water, forests and climate resilience<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Water lies at the heart of healthy ecosystems and resilient communities. Yet across many forest landscapes, water sources are increasingly under pressure from unsustainable land use, agricultural and extractive industries, and inequitable governance. In our work with partner organisations across the alliance, we saw these manifold water challenges emerge. But the experiences of civil society partners on the frontlines also gave us important insights into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/publication\/interweaving-waters-forests-and-communities-strategies-and-lessons-for-water-justice\/\">opportunities for water justice<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/beyond-the-amazon-chiquitania-a-forest-gem-navigating-a-water-crisis\/\">Bolivia\u2019s Chiquitania<\/a>, for example, IUCN NL supported partner PROBIOMA financially and technically to address the linked challenges of deforestation and water scarcity. Together with communities, partners gathered data, mobilised residents and set up community-based water monitoring systems. IUCN NL helped link local struggles to international mechanisms and connected grassroots actors with research institutions and policy dialogues. This ecosystem of collaboration was essential not only for winning the case, but also for building long-term support in&nbsp;communities\u2019&nbsp;abilities to defend their rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/publication\/interweaving-waters-forests-and-communities-strategies-and-lessons-for-water-justice\/\">Read more about our insights on water governance<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\"><p class=\"cookiebanner_video_embed\" id=\"x6quubyw0zzi46tc\"> In order to view this movie you have to accept &#8216;Social media and advertising&#8217; cookies. Click <a class=\"open-cookie-settings\">here<\/a> to change your cookie settings.  <script>if(!window.dgmCookieVideoBlocks) { window.dgmCookieVideoBlocks=[]; } window.dgmCookieVideoBlocks.push({ content: \"<figure class='wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio'><div class='wp-block-embed__wrapper'><iframe title='The Green Livelihoods Alliance | Forests for a Just Future programme (2021\u20132025)' width='500' height='281' data-src='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oRvrLjVOoOY?feature=oembed' frameborder='0' allow='accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share' referrerpolicy='strict-origin-when-cross-origin' allowfullscreen src='data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==' class='lazyload' data-load-mode='1'><\/iframe><\/div><\/figure>\", id: \"x6quubyw0zzi46tc\" });<\/script> <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer is-style-responsive-small\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Influencing policies and practices to address drivers of deforestation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Deforestation is rooted in unequal power, weak enforcement and accountability, and unsustainable value chains. Local, national and international advocacy by GLA partners contributed to significant policy changes and helped address key drivers of deforestation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>A landmark victory was the repeal of a law in Ghana that would have allowed mining in Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas, including forest reserves. IUCN NL partner A Rocha Ghana played a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/landmark-victory-ghana-repeals-law-opening-forest-reserves-to-mining\/\">key role in the process leading up to the repeal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promoting deforestation-free supply chains<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>At the global level, GLA engagement contributed to shaping more responsible value chains, including through engagement with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). We helped strengthen the EUDR on human rights, land tenure and smallholder inclusion, directly translating local governance realities into more accountable and inclusive global supply chain policies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Supported by IUCN NL, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/blog\/promoting-deforestation-free-supply-chains-in-colombia-lessons-from-a-strategic-cross-sectoral-collaboration\/\">strategic partnership between civil society and the private sector in Colombia<\/a> is helping to accelerate deforestation-free supply chains by adapting business practices to emerging regulations such as the EUDR.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Addressing forest and human rights risks linked to critical minerals<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Through the programme, IUCN NL and partners <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/our-work\/a-just-energy-transition\/\">addressed the growing forest and human rights risks linked to critical minerals <\/a>by working across the value chain, from extraction to downstream users. Together with civil society organisations, we strengthened Indigenous peoples\u2019 and community voices in decision-making, engaged companies and investors on more responsible sourcing, and promoted greater transparency and accountability through stronger laws, binding regulations, high-level standards such as the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>At the same time, we advocated for stronger safeguards to prevent deforestation, pollution and social harm linked to mining, including protecting biodiversity-rich and socially important areas and promoting greater accountability across nickel supply chains.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>These efforts show that protecting forests requires tackling underlying power dynamics and aligning policies, markets and practices with local realities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"background background-preset-primary\" id=\"block_b1dee58ddfbfda01c81fe826e39ace5b\">\n             <div class=\"dark custom-padding-top\">\n    \n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safeguarding forests and human rights in nickel value chains<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer is-style-responsive-small\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>As the global energy transition accelerated, IUCN NL and its partners worked to promote responsible mineral supply chains that support climate ambitions while safeguarding forests, biodiversity and the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. Through a local-to-global-to-local approach, we connected experiences from nickel landscapes in Indonesia and the Philippines to international policy, finance and conservation debates. We strengthened the capacities, participation and voice of IP&amp;LCs, enabling them to engage more effectively in decision-making processes related to mining developments that affect their lands, livelihoods and environments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIDCD41-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209856 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIDCD41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIDCD41-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIDCD41-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIDCD41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIDCD41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\"><em>Nickel mining impacts fishing villages in Molawe, North Konawe, Indonesia<\/em> <em>\u00a9 Garry Lotulung<\/em><\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIB69D1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209822 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIB69D1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIB69D1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIB69D1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIB69D1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NIB69D1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer is-style-responsive-small\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Together with partners, we raised awareness of the impacts of mining-driven deforestation and biodiversity loss, including through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/publication\/nickel-mining-on-sulawesi-overlaps-with-globally-important-biodiversity-areas-new-research-shows\/\">research on nickel mining in Sulawesi<\/a> and advocacy on responsible mineral supply chains. We <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/geen-categorie\/how-the-irma-standard-guides-sectors-towards-responsible-mining\/\">worked with the IRMA<\/a>, engaged governments, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/investors-around-the-world-call-for-responsible-mining-in-nickel-industry\/\">investors and businesses<\/a> to strengthen environmental and social safeguards and promote responsible sourcing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>A major achievement was the adoption of an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/iucn-members-adopt-resolution-to-safeguard-biodiversity-and-human-rights-in-energy-transition-mineral-governance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IUCN Resolution<\/a> on Safeguarding Biodiversity and Human Rights in Energy Transition Mineral Governance at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting civic space and environmental defenders<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Where environmental defenders are silenced, forests are at risk. Safeguarding human rights, civic space and environmental defenders is central to achieving global climate and biodiversity commitments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The programme provided targeted support to strengthen the safety, security and resilience of environmental defenders and civil society organisations in high-risk contexts. IUCN NL helped generate evidence on shrinking civic space through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/publication\/survey-confirms-civic-space-in-tropical-forest-landscapes-is-under-pressure\/\">survey<\/a> across the programme countries and, together with Protection International, initiated a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/safety-security-programme-protecting-environmental-defenders\/\">three-year safety and security programme<\/a> in Bolivia, Ghana, Uganda, DRC, the Philippines and Indonesia. This included training, emergency support and longer-term capacity building to help partners and communities better understand risks, improve security planning and respond to threats. Over the past four years, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/emergency-funding-as-a-lifeline-for-environmental-defenders\/\">emergency funds<\/a> supported 33 organisations and individuals with legal assistance, safety measures and urgent relief, helping defenders continue their work under pressure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inclusion, gender and youth involvement<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Throughout the programme, we worked with partners to make forest governance and climate action more inclusive, with a stronger focus on the leadership and participation of women and youth. We applied a gender-responsive and intersectional approach to ensure that women, young people and other marginalised groups could influence decisions about forests, land and water. This had concrete impact on the ground.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In Uganda, for example, we worked with AFIEGO to support <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/celebrating-all-women-in-all-their-diversity-this-international-womens-day\/\">women-led advocacy and reforestation around Bugoma Forest<\/a>, with women\u2019s groups planting over 17,000 trees since 2021. In the Philippines, we supported <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/defending-our-forests-is-defending-our-lives-indigenous-women-at-the-frontlines-in-the-philippines\/\">LILAK\u2019s work with Indigenous women human rights defenders<\/a> in forest landscapes under threat from mining, helping to strengthen women\u2019s leadership, protect civic spacegles to wider land and resource policies, built solidarity across landscapes and developed a collective protection plan through learning sessions and national exchanges. These examples demonstrate that greater agency, knowledge and support for women and youth result in improved forest protection and greater community resilience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>At the Climate Change COP30 in Belem, framed as the Forest COP,&nbsp; GLA and the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA) organised a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/from-pledges-to-locally-led-climate-action-gender-just-indigenous-solutions-for-forests-and-climate-action\/\">dedicated side event<\/a> to spotlight locally-led, gender-just approaches to forest and climate action. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Women and youth linked local struggles to wider land and resource policies, built solidarity across landscapes and developed a collective protection plan through learning sessions and national exchanges. These examples demonstrate that greater agency, knowledge and support for women and youth result in improved forest protection and greater community resilience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"background background-preset-secondary\" id=\"block_92014a856ea47c109590d892044e8a0b\">\n             <div class=\"dark custom-padding-top\">\n    \n\n<div class=\"small-12 large-offset-2 large-8\">\n    <div class=\"picture-content grid-x block\" id=\"block_5b283ed04f73c52cd9a50ffc99ffe8da\">\n        <span class=\"anchor-id\" id=\"\" ><\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"cell small-12 medium-6 large-6 picture-content__image lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1556-1167-max.jpg&#039;)\">\n            \n                <img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1556-1167-max-380x300-c-default.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 380px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 380\/300;\">\n                <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"cell small-12 medium-6 large-6 picture-content__in\"> \n                <div class=\"picture-content__in--header\"><h2>IUCN NL\u2019s approach towards IP&#038;LC led forest governance<\/h2><\/div>\n                <div class=\"picture-content__in--text\"><p>Working from the landscape level, IUCN NL supports CSO partners &#8211; from grassroots to national level &#8211; in tropical forest countries with knowledge, networks and access to funding to increase our collective impact on the ground. We use bottom-up, locally-led approaches in the design of all our actions. The knowledge and experience generated at landscape level is fed back into national and global policy arenas, and in turn, inform action at the local level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                <div class=\"picture-content__in--link\">\n                    <a class=\"button button--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/our-work\/community-governance\/\"\n                        target=\"\">Read more about community governance\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"small-12 large-offset-2 large-8\">\n    <div class=\"picture-content grid-x block\" id=\"block_942b40a7cef4f3ac71e24f90e4a9ab7f\">\n        <span class=\"anchor-id\" id=\"\" ><\/span>\n                    <div class=\"cell small-12 medium-12 large-12 picture-content__in\"> \n                <div class=\"picture-content__in--header\"><h2><\/h2><\/div>\n                <div class=\"picture-content__in--text\"><\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lessons learnt<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Five years of implementation have confirmed that locally-led approaches are more just, more effective and more durable. When Indigenous peoples and local communities set priorities and have real decision-making power, forest governance better reflects local realities, including livelihoods, safety, care responsibilities and cultural ties to the land. Technical solutions, such as monitoring tools or sustainable livelihood initiatives, only create lasting change when they are rooted in community leadership and supported by sustained advocacy, coalition building and political engagement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The programme also demonstrated the strength of working as an alliance. Long-term, trust-based partnerships between civil society organisations, communities and alliance members made it possible to combine local knowledge, strategic advocacy and mutual learning across countries and landscapes. This collective approach helped partners sustain progress in increasingly challenging contexts and achieve results that no single organisation could have delivered alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking ahead: building on what works<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Although the GLA programme has come to a close, much of the work continues. Across some GLA landscapes, we have secured follow-up funding, allowing partnerships with CSOs and Indigenous peoples, local communities to continue building on the foundations laid over the past decade. The need for this work remains as urgent as ever: forests continue to face mounting pressures while civic space for those defending them remains under strain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>GLA has reinforced the importance of rights-based and locally-led forest governance as an effective way to protect biodiversity, support climate objectives and strengthen local livelihoods. Continued long-term and flexible investment in people, partnerships and locally rooted institutions will be essential to sustain these efforts and build on the momentum created through the programme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Green Livelihoods Alliance: Forests for a Just Future programme<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/greenlivelihoodsalliance.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/greenlivelihoodsalliance.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA)<\/a> consisted of IUCN NL, Gaia Amazonas, NTFP-EP Asia, Milieudefensie, SDI and Tropenbos International, supported by technical partners Fern and WECF. Together with more than 70 civil society organisations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IP&amp;LCs) and social movements, the Alliance worked across 11 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Power of Voices Partnerships framework, the Forests for a Just Future programme (2021-2025) aimed to strengthen IP&amp;LC-led governance of forests, reduce deforestation driven by business and government actors, and protect the rights and civic space of forest-dependent communities. It built on the earlier Forested Landscapes for Equity programme (2016\u20132020), also supported by the Dutch government.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/project\/forests-for-a-just-future\/\">Read more about the programme<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"background background-preset-primary\" id=\"block_b1dee58ddfbfda01c81fe826e39ace5b\">\n             <div class=\"dark custom-padding-top\">\n    \n\n\n<div class=\"smallteam-members__name12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n\t<div id=\"team-members-block_a63cb2bc46adb9d488aa93138c47c68e\" class=\"team-members team-members-block block\">\n\t\t<span class=\"anchor-id\" id=\"\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"team-members__title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div>Want to know more? Contact<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"team-members__body small-12 grid-x\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__item grid-x small-12 medium-6\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__image cell shrink\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/maartje-hilterman\/\" target=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__image-wrapper lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IUCN-Anonymous-user-icon.jpg&#039;)\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IUCN-Anonymous-user-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__info cell auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__info-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/maartje-hilterman\/\" target=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__name\">Maartje\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHilterman<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__jobtitle\">Senior Expert Environmental Justice<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__email\">Email:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:maartje.hilterman@iucn.nl\">maartje.hilterman@iucn.nl<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__readmore\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/maartje-hilterman\/\" target=\"\">Full profile<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__item grid-x small-12 medium-6\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__image cell shrink\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/marianne-de-beer\/\" target=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__image-wrapper lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2021\/01\/112IUCN-290621--scaled.jpg&#039;)\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2021\/01\/112IUCN-290621--scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Marianne de Beer\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/2560;\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__info cell auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__info-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/marianne-de-beer\/\" target=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__name\">Marianne\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tde Beer<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__jobtitle\">Communications Manager<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__email\">Email:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:marianne.debeer@iucn.nl\">marianne.debeer@iucn.nl<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__readmore\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/marianne-de-beer\/\" target=\"\">Full profile<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__socials\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/marianne-de-beer\/\" class=\"team-members__socials-icon ico-linkedin\" aria-label=\"Linkedin profile of Marianne de Beer\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/themes\/gopublic-motor-theme-child\/src\/images\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Linkedin logo\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"posts related_content small-12\">\n    <div class=\"post__titlebar grid-x\">\n                    <h2 class=\"post__title\">Updates from Forests for a Just Future<\/h2>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"post__body\">\n                    <div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x show-for-medium\">\n                                    <div class=\"cell large-3 medium-6 small-12\">\n                        <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/five-years-of-impact-strengthening-locally-led-forest-governance-rights-and-livelihoods\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    Feature stories\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Five years of impact: strengthening locally-led forest governance, rights and livelihoods\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"cell large-3 medium-6 small-12\">\n                        <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/publication\/interweaving-waters-forests-and-communities-strategies-and-lessons-for-water-justice\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht-12-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht-12-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht-12-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    Publications\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Report: Interweaving waters, forests, and communities &#8211; Strategies and lessons for water justice\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"cell large-3 medium-6 small-12\">\n                        <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/statement-invest-in-local-leadership-for-tropical-forest-management-and-local-economies\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tom-Laffay_Peru_Madre-de-Dios_river-side-village-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tom-Laffay_Peru_Madre-de-Dios_river-side-village-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tom-Laffay_Peru_Madre-de-Dios_river-side-village-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Statement: Invest in local leadership for tropical forest management and local economies\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"cell large-3 medium-6 small-12\">\n                        <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/social-forestry-in-indonesia-forest-protection-and-sustainable-livelihoods-amid-flash-floods\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    Feature stories\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Social forestry in Indonesia: forest protection and sustainable livelihoods amid flash floods\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"show-for-small-only\">\n                <div class=\"orbit\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Updates from Forests for a Just Future\" data-orbit>\n                    <div class=\"orbit-wrapper\">\n                        <ul class=\"orbit-container\">\n                                                    <li class=\"is-active orbit-slide\">\n                                <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/five-years-of-impact-strengthening-locally-led-forest-governance-rights-and-livelihoods\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Warsi-2024-42-edited-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    Feature stories\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Five years of impact: strengthening locally-led forest governance, rights and livelihoods\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                    <li class=\"is-active orbit-slide\">\n                                <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/publication\/interweaving-waters-forests-and-communities-strategies-and-lessons-for-water-justice\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht-12-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht-12-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/website-Uitgelichte-foto-bij-bericht-12-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    Publications\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Report: Interweaving waters, forests, and communities &#8211; Strategies and lessons for water justice\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                    <li class=\"is-active orbit-slide\">\n                                <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/statement-invest-in-local-leadership-for-tropical-forest-management-and-local-economies\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tom-Laffay_Peru_Madre-de-Dios_river-side-village-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tom-Laffay_Peru_Madre-de-Dios_river-side-village-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tom-Laffay_Peru_Madre-de-Dios_river-side-village-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Statement: Invest in local leadership for tropical forest management and local economies\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                    <li class=\"is-active orbit-slide\">\n                                <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/social-forestry-in-indonesia-forest-protection-and-sustainable-livelihoods-amid-flash-floods\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Warsi-2024-2-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    Feature stories\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Social forestry in Indonesia: forest protection and sustainable livelihoods amid flash floods\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <nav class=\"orbit-bullets\">\n                                                                            <button class=\"is-active\" data-slide=\"0\">\n                            <span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"show-for-sr\" data-slide-active-label><\/span>\n                        <\/button>\n                                                                                                    <button data-slide=\"1\"><span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span><\/button>\n                                                                                                    <button data-slide=\"2\"><span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span><\/button>\n                                                                                                    <button data-slide=\"3\"><span class=\"show-for-sr\"><\/span><\/button>\n                                                                <\/nav>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"speaker-mute footnotes_reference_container\"> <div class=\"footnote_container_prepare\"><h2><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_label pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_446575_1();\">Index<\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button\" style=\"display: none;\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_446575_1();\">[<a id=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_446575_1\">+<\/a>]<\/span><\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"footnote_references_container_446575_1\" style=\"\"><table class=\"footnotes_table footnote-reference-container\"><caption class=\"accessibility\">Index<\/caption> <tbody> \r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index_combi pointer\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_446575_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_446575_1_1');\"><a id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_446575_1_1\" class=\"footnote_backlink\"><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>1<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">WRI: Indigenous and Community Forests: <a href=\"https:\/\/gfr.wri.org\/social-governance-issues-indicators\/indigenous-community-forests#what-role-do-indigenous-peoples-and-local-communities-play-in-protecting-forests\"><span class=\"footnote_url_wrap\">https:\/\/gfr.wri.org\/social-governance-issues-indicators\/indigenous-community-forests#what-role-do-indigenous-peoples-and-local-communities-play-in-protecting-forests<\/span><\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> function footnote_expand_reference_container_446575_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_446575_1').show(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_446575_1').text('\u2212'); } function footnote_collapse_reference_container_446575_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_446575_1').hide(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_446575_1').text('+'); } function footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_446575_1() { if (jQuery('#footnote_references_container_446575_1').is(':hidden')) { footnote_expand_reference_container_446575_1(); } else { footnote_collapse_reference_container_446575_1(); } } function footnote_moveToReference_446575_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_446575_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } } function footnote_moveToAnchor_446575_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_446575_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } }<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tropical rainforests around the world are under growing pressure from agricultural expansion, mining and resource extraction, infrastructure development and climate change. At the same time, the space for civil society organisations, Indigenous peoples and local communities to defend these forests is shrinking. More than ever, effective, inclusive and rights-based approaches are needed to protect forests [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":446616,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[172,286,179,181,183,184,197],"class_list":["post-446575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-story","tag-community-governance","tag-forests-and-climate","tag-forests-for-a-just-future-en","tag-gender-equality","tag-human-rights-and-nature","tag-mining","tag-responsible-value-chains"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/446575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=446575"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/446575\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":446668,"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/446575\/revisions\/446668"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/446616"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=446575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=446575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=446575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}