A Narrative of Change and Hope

Dear <<First Name>>,

It is time for a more positive narrative and so this month we have stories from across the world with messages of change, those that inspire hope and some that offer solutions, plus the opportunity for you to contribute to If Not Us Then Who.

Firstly, Mexico, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and home to almost ten million indigenous peoples, now has a new president-elect and hopefully a new champion for indigenous and local communities particularly when it comes to sustainable forest policy. Andrés Manuel López Obrador in his victory speech he declared:

"We will listen to everyone, we will attend to everyone, we will respect everyone, but we will give preference to the most humble and the forgotten, especially to the indigenous peoples of Mexico.”

With this new government, there is a renewed sense of hope and a real possibility of a better future shared by indigenous and environmental leaders of Mexico.

Read the full article on our website here.
En esapñol también

After a win in court, Indigenous activists in India are still fighting to save their land.

From the sacred Niyamgiri hills of India, the Dongria Kondh indigenous community fought their case in the Supreme Court and won when the bauxite mining project was unanimously voted against. Despite the official victory, the community remains under threat from paramilitary forces and gangs, facing false charges, torture, and incarceration.

Watch Niyamgiri - The Mountain of Law, a new short film from one of our partners.
Find out more about the filmmaker, Surya, here.

Seen a great film recently that centers on land rights and social justice, indigenous culture or youth empowerment?
Suggest it for the If Not Us then Who video library by completing the form below.

Submit a film to If Not Us Then Who

In other news

Investing in indigenous communities is the most efficient way to protect forests

The best way to save forests and curb biodiversity loss is to recognize the claims of indigenous peoples to their territories.

A new report, Published by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), adds to the growing body of evidence that indigenous peoples are the best protectors of the forests they call home.
Read the full report from Mongabay here.

An event to celebrate World Indigenous Day

Next month, youth indigenous communities in Palangka Raya, Indonesia will hold their annual celebration for World Indigenous Day. The event's theme this year is Indigenous lead: Bringing forth the ancient sound, embracing the heritage.

See more here.

A new model of conservation is emerging in Mexico.

The role of local communities in protecting and preserving biodiversity has long been overlooked, but the forests of Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán are thriving due to the conservations efforts by indigenous peoples, in our final story of change and hope. Watch the film: Mexico, Owners of the forest.

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