The Ywy Ipuranguete initiative in Brazil, supported by the GBFF, empowers Indigenous Peoples in managing their territories, covering 6 million hectares across key biomes. With $9 million funding, the project focuses on sustainable management, environmental protection, and strengthening Indigenous governance. Key actions include monitoring, economic support, training, and promoting sustainable agriculture, underscoring Indigenous communities’ vital role in conservation.
A new initiative, known as Ywy Ipuranguete, has been launched in Brazil to empower Indigenous Peoples in managing their territories through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). The project aims to enhance management on 15 Indigenous lands spanning 6 million hectares across diverse biomes, including the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. This area is home to 57,000 Indigenous individuals and is vital for Brazil’s ecological balance.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI) and administered by the Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (FUNBIO), Ywy Ipuranguete focuses on sustainable territorial management and the protection of essential biodiversity areas. The formal launch occurred on March 18 at the Memorial of Indigenous Peoples in Brasília, with significant participation from government officials, funding entities, and Indigenous leaders.
Minister of Indigenous Peoples Sonia Guajajara emphasized, “The Indigenous Peoples are the true guardians of the forest… this project reinforces the essential role they play in environmental conservation.” The initiative is set to be executed by the International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) with backing from the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai).
The GBFF, which is connected to the Global Environment Facility, funds this project among others aimed at addressing significant environmental challenges. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, mentioned, “I am delighted that one of the first projects of the GBFF supports the involvement of Indigenous Peoples…” Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO of GEF, added that the project reflects a global commitment to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ roles in biodiversity protection.
Ywy Ipuranguete has secured $9 million for activities such as environmental monitoring and Indigenous governance empowerment while ensuring sustainable income generation. Rosa Lemos de Sá from FUNBIO stated, “The protection of Indigenous lands is not just an environmental issue, but a fundamental strategy to ensure a sustainable future.”
The project emphasizes the implementation of Indigenous Territorial and Environmental Management Instruments (IGATIs), essential for the sustainable use of Indigenous lands. IGATIs, including Territorial and Environmental Management Plans (PGTAs), help respect the cultural and environmental priorities of Indigenous Peoples.
Key project actions include:
1. Monitoring and territorial protection: Enhancements to community infrastructure using drones and radios for security.
2. Sustainable economic development: Supporting Indigenous productive chains and access to the Food Acquisition Program (PAA).
3. Training and cultural appreciation: Leadership training for youth and women to bolster governance.
4. Food sovereignty and environmental restoration: Supporting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security.
The launch of Ywy Ipuranguete marks a significant step towards empowering Indigenous communities in Brazil for better management of their territories. With its $9 million funding, the initiative not only aims to strengthen biodiversity protection but also fosters sustainable economic development. By prioritizing Indigenous governance and traditional knowledge, the project underscores the critical role Indigenous Peoples play in conservation efforts and ecological balance.
Original Source: www.thegef.org
