In a global campaign, indigenous peoples and local communities from 25 countries are protesting and demanding recognition of their land rights to safeguard the world's forests and prevent climate change. The Land Rights Now initiative calls on governments and the private sector to respect secure land rights.
A new report by Rights and Resources Initiative sheds light on Asia Pulp and Paper's (APP) past failures to respect community land rights in China. The study found that APP's historic land acquisitions posed risks to the company's investments and operations, with significant challenges remaining to be addressed.
The Lao government announces a dramatic shift in its land policy, prioritizing local land management and granting significant rights to rural households. This move aims to address land disputes and alleviate poverty, following international best practices from countries like China and Nepal.
New research warns that Asia cannot achieve its climate and poverty reduction goals unless women's rights to forest and land resources are recognized. Women continue to be marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes in resource management, leading to environmental degradation and food insecurity.
Research shows that recognizing local rights and tenure systems is cost-effective and can secure carbon credits, while indigenous communities prove to be good forest stewards. Poorly designed initiatives could fuel corruption and conflict.