“Locally controlled farm-forestry: A firm

foundation for fair green economies?

International Alliance perspective

by Estebancio Castro Diaz

16 – 17 June2012Río de Janeiro, Brazil

The International Alliance implements its activities and work plan through a decentralized structure of regional coordinating organizations. These regional coordinating organizations exists in nine region, as indicate on the map above, and coordinate the activities of the Alliance´s activities within the countries of their regions.

Panamá

Historical issueThe lack of appropriate legal frameworks is one of the major concerns of Indigenous Peoples and one of the

major barriers to accepting new development policies.

Main gainsIndigenous Peoples see many projects initiative from their communities as an opportunity to tackle the increasing threats to their forests borders. They also

believe that the projects can strengthen the permanent protection of their borders from deforestation and the incursion of land seekers.

PotentialThe Green Economy must be committed to protect forests and there is potential to acknowledge the importance of the Indigenous Peoples collective attachment

to the land, presence of customary institutions, the continued use of the traditional knowledge and the acceptance of subsistence-oriented productions

ConclusionDespite having good intentions to protect the environment and provide a just and equitable benefit to Indigenous Peoples, adverse environmental, cultural, spiritual and social impacts may arise from activities pursuing sustainable development. For that reason, there is a need to implement Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior and informed consent and a requirement that such projects are consistent with customary laws.

Thank youMuchas Gracias