Context: Recently, a report summarizing the first phase of implementation of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) was released.

About Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI):

• Aim: It is a global project that aims to support Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in their efforts to protect and manage their lands, territories and resources that are rich in biodiversity and ecosystems. 
• Funding: The ICI is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by Conservation International (CI) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as joint GEF Implementing Agencies.
• Duration: The ICI project was endorsed by the GEF in January 2022 and is expected to run for five years until 2027. 
• Objectives: To support IPLCs to secure and enhance their stewardship over an estimated area of 7.5 million hectares of landscapes, seascapes and territories with high biodiversity and irreplaceable ecosystems. 
  • It recognizes and respects the rights, cultures, knowledge, practices and governance systems of IPLCs as essential for effective and equitable conservation outcomes.
• The ICI has four main components:

1. Local Action to deliver Global Environmental Benefits: This component provides direct financial support to IPLC-led initiatives in ten priority areas across the world that achieve global environmental benefits through improved large-scale management of IPLC lands, territories and resources.
2. Global IPLC Capacity Building: This component establishes the platforms, peer learning networks and knowledge resources for enhanced IPLCs capacity, project and financial management skills, and design of sustainable financing mechanisms.
3. Global Policy Influence: This component supports IPLCs to engage in global policy processes and dialogues that affect their rights, roles and responsibilities in conservation and sustainable development.
4. Global Knowledge Management and Learning: This component facilitates the generation, exchange and dissemination of knowledge and lessons learned from the ICI project and other relevant sources to inform and influence conservation practice and policy at all levels.

News Source: DTE