Indigenous people are often considered the world’s best stewards of land. But lack of clear legal rights to property and land use has led to environmental exploitation including deforestation, extractive industrial waste, and pollution. This session will explore tensions between indigenous peoples’ land rights and development–or protection–of the land by government, corporations, and conservation organizations. It will also highlight successful collaborations between these actors and indigenous people.
Nicole Rycroft is the Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, an award-winning NGO committed to protecting the world’s forests, species, and climate by transforming global supply chains. Drawing on the resilience she developed as an elite level athlete, Nicole leads Canopy in partnering with major…
I am an Italian environmentalist and a human rights activist.
I have a specialized in Valorization and Management of Natural Resources and a Master Degree in Human Rights and Conflict Management at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa. For several years I have been dealing with…
Executive Director, Ut'z Che' - Guatemalan Community Forestry Association
Víctor López Illescas, executive director of the Community Forestry Association of Guatemala Utz Che’ a national umbrella organisation of indigenous, peasant and fishermen communities protecting forests, watersprings and coastal ecosystems, sustainably managing natural resources and impulsing…
Deputy Chief Mandy Gull of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi of the Eeyou Nation of James Bay. As an elected official she has been representing her community in capacities relating to economic development, environmental stewardship and protecting the Cree Way of Life.
The Broadback river…