IPLC Working Group

CIC has committed to standing with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in decolonizing conservation and protecting heritage. We are working hard to nurture new partnerships grounded in local communities and indigenous people’s networks that advance hunter-led and community-led conservation. 

Our goal is to celebrate community-led conservation and highlight the struggles faced by IPLCs in maintaining their wild harvest traditions, slow food, and healthy and sustainable diets.

Rural actors are the backbone of our society, acting as the key stakeholders in biodiversity conservation success. They are also some of the most marginalised individuals in political and environmental decision-making.

The CIC has long been advocating for countryside interests, supporting their right to utilise natural resources as well as funding the attendance of key stakeholders at environmental conventions.

More recently, the organisation’s support for rural actors has been formalised, with issues related to indigenous peoples and local communities explicitly being referenced as a priority in the updated CIC Statutes (2022).

In addition, the 69th General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish a CIC Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Working Group, which works to give an international platform to underrepresented voices.