Indigenous Stewardship and Leadership Central to New Biodiversity Project in Brazil

A new project named Ywy Ipuranguete has been launched in Brazil to support Indigenous Peoples in managing and protecting their territories, covering 6 million hectares across several biomes. Coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and FUNBIO, the project emphasizes sustainable management, ecological restoration, and cultural preservation. It involves an investment of $9 million and aims to strengthen Indigenous governance and community capacity.

The newly launched Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) project in Brazil, named Ywy Ipuranguete, aims to empower Indigenous Peoples in managing their territories. This initiative will reinforce management in 15 Indigenous lands, covering 6 million hectares across multiple biomes, benefiting approximately 57,000 Indigenous individuals and preserving vital ecological resources.

Managed by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI) and the Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (FUNBIO), the project focuses on sustainable territorial management and enhancing biodiversity protection. The official inauguration of Ywy Ipuranguete took place on March 18 in Brasília, attended by governmental representatives and Indigenous leaders from various regions.

Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples, emphasized the critical role Indigenous Peoples play in forest conservation. “The Indigenous Peoples are the true guardians of the forest… we ensure the conditions for them to continue protecting their territories, their ways of life, and their ancestral knowledge.” The project will be implemented by the International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) with support from the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai).

The GBFF funding will bolster Indigenous governance and offer resources for monitoring and managing their territories. “Supporting Indigenous Peoples in managing their territories means strengthening global biodiversity protection,” stated Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF. With a budget of $9 million, the initiative will provide essential tools for sustainable development and community empowerment.

Ywy Ipuranguete prioritizes Indigenous management instruments, ensuring that traditional practices are integral to land stewardship. The project includes community infrastructure upgrades, economic support for Indigenous enterprises, leadership training, and agricultural sustainability to enhance food security and ecological restoration efforts.

The Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (FUNBIO) plays a pivotal role in facilitating funding and supporting biodiversity initiatives. Since its inception, FUNBIO has executed over 700 projects benefiting a multitude of institutions across Brazil. The GBFF itself aims to enhance biodiversity governance globally, with a commitment to supporting projects led by Indigenous communities.

Created in 2023, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI) seeks to uphold Indigenous rights and promote well-being, while the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai) safeguards their territories. The International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) has dedicated decades to enhancing Indigenous leadership and community management capacity, demonstrating a collective commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation.

The Ywy Ipuranguete initiative represents a significant advancement in empowering Indigenous Peoples in Brazil to manage and protect their territories. By focusing on sustainable practices and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into land management, the project aims to uphold biodiversity and ecological balance. With substantial funding and a collaborative approach among various stakeholders, this initiative lays a foundation for lasting environmental and cultural resilience.

Original Source: www.thegef.org