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  • Press Release: Harnessing Biodiversity through Community Land Rights: A Learning Exchange for CSOs and Indigenous Peoples

Press Release: Harnessing Biodiversity through Community Land Rights: A Learning Exchange for CSOs and Indigenous Peoples

A transformative learning exchange convened in Subic, Zambales, Phlippines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harnessing Biodiversity through Community Land Rights: A Learning Exchange for CSOs and Indigenous Peoples


April 3, 2025 – Subic, Zambales, Philippines – A transformative learning exchange convened Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the National Land Coalition (NLC) Philippines and members of the International Land Coalition (ILC) Asia to explore the vital link between biodiversity conservation and secure land rights for Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs). Participants from Cambodia, Nepal, Vietnam, India, and Laos highlighted the irreplaceable role of IPLCs in protecting ecosystems and advancing sustainable development—aligning with global commitments made at COP16 to recognize their contributions.

Biodiversity Thrives When Communities Lead

"Without land rights, we cannot protect the forests that feed us, heal us, and connect us to our ancestors," said Datu Federico Magtana, a Mandaya leader from Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Philippines. "When our rights are recognized, like in the ICCATs of Nueva Vizcaya, we prove that biodiversity can sustain livelihoods—keeping our youth rooted in their heritage while generating income."

Asami Segundo, an Ikalahan youth leader from Imugan, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.

The event underscored how tenure insecurity prevents IPLCs from applying traditional knowledge to restore ecosystems. Participants celebrated mechanisms like Indigenous Community Conservation Areas (ICCAs) and the Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples’ Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IPBSAP)—a globally pioneering model now being replicated with fisherfolk and farmer groups.

From Global Commitments to Local Action

Despite international recognition of land rights through frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the Paris Agreement, IPLCs face escalating threats from deforestation, land grabbing, and climate change continue to undermine biodiversity and threaten the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. As part of its efforts to align with global biodiversity frameworks, the Philippines exemplifies progress on the IPBSAP, developed through an IP-led process, is now integrated into the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Also, Nueva Vizcaya’s passage of the Indigenous Community Conservation Areas and Territories (ICCATs) Ordinance is landmark legislation, passed in March 2024, legally empowers Indigenous communities to manage ancestral lands, combat climate change, and practice sustainable land use.

"The IPBSAP model must inspire global action and the Philippines has shown how IPLC rights can generate both ecological and economic benefits - —critical for retaining youth in rural areas."

Anu Verma, Regional Coordinator, ILC Asia.

She added that COP16 commitments mean nothing without IPLCs at the table.

Collaborative Pathways Forward

The learning exchange featured discussions on the local implementation of PBSAP, including the involvement of Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, farmer groups, and local governments in shaping inclusive biodiversity policies. The exchange showcased how Indigenous knowledge and local governance strengthen biodiversity efforts. 

“Empowering and securing community land rights is not just a matter of justice—it is a practical solution to the biodiversity crisis.”

Enrique Nuñez , International Land Coalition

The event also underscored the importance of collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and Indigenous and local communities to build a sustainable future where conservation and community empowerment go hand in hand.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in the Philippines is a comprehensive framework developed to address the country's rich biodiversity and the threats it faces. It is part of the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to which the country is a signatory. The NBSAP outlines strategic objectives, actions, and policies aimed at conserving the nation’s biodiversity and ensuring its sustainable use. Other countries also showcased their efforts in biodiversity conservation, with examples from India, Cambodia, and Indonesia. They emphasized the fair distribution of benefits derived from biological resources.

“The Philippines is adopting a whole-of-nation approach to mainstream biodiversity conservation across sectors. This collaborative effort ensures that biodiversity remains at the heart of our nation’s development.”

Angie Lou, DENR-BMB

The key takeaways from the Learning Event are as follows:

  1. ICCAs & IP Leadership: Participants urged nations to adopt ICCAs and IP-led models like the IPBSAP, fulfilling COP16 commitments to center IPLCs in biodiversity strategies.
  2. Beyond Fortress Conservation: Prioritize community stewardship over exclusionary protected areas, as seen in the Philippines’ participatory IPBSAP process.
  3. Livelihoods & Youth: Biodiversity-based income (e.g., sustainable agroforestry, eco-tourism) can revitalize rural economies.
  4. Legislative Framework: Strengthening laws and policies related to biodiversity conservation.
  5. Ecosystem Restoration: Undertaking efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, such as reforestation programs, the rehabilitation of coral reefs, and the restoration of watersheds.
  6. Regional Solidarity: Countries like India and Cambodia shared plans to replicate inclusive approaches, ensuring fair benefit-sharing from biological resources.

Toward the end, all participants from various countries committed to and shared their plans for advancing biodiversity conservation in their respective countries and regions.

About ILC Asia

International Land Coalition (ILC) Asia is a membership-driven network that consists of 59 national and regional civil society organisations across 14 countries in Asia, whose vision is to achieve a just, equitable and inclusive world in which land rights are secure, and poverty is eradicated. Members of ILC in the Philippines have convened a national platform named the National Land Coalition (NLC). The platform seeks to empower farmers and indigenous peoples in claiming their land rights and access to natural resources.

For more information, please contact

Nina Sangma (English, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali)

Communications Coordinator, ILC Asia

n.sangma@landcoalition.org