The World Bank has presented the Proposed Environmental and Social Framework for consultation. A new, revised set of standards seek to "ensure the delivery of an environmental and social framework which is more efficient and comprehensive," however, Rainforest Fund sees significant flaws in the proposed draft. It includes watered down standards making it easier for states to ignore the rights of indigenous peoples. … [Read more...] about Rainforest Fund Comments to the World Bank on the Revised Economic and Social Framework
land rights
There’s money in them trees…or is there? Taking a look at the economics of deforestation
Research shows that while deforestation can lead to an initial boom in a country's GDP, over time, the boom leads to a bust and for the indigenous people whose land was taken over are no better off then before their forests were destroyed. … [Read more...] about There’s money in them trees…or is there? Taking a look at the economics of deforestation
INDIGENOUS PROFILE: THE TERENA TRIBE, BRAZIL
June, 2013 | Securing land titles is a challenging and lengthy process for indigenous people. The Terena tribe in Brazil, whose lands were wrongly granted to foreigners and destroyed for economic gain, have been fighting an uphill battle for decades. … [Read more...] about INDIGENOUS PROFILE: THE TERENA TRIBE, BRAZIL
Nature and Culture: The two-faced nature of ecotourism
“I had traveled by car, plane, boat and foot — more than 100 miles from conventional civilization — to reach a place where the old ways have not been forgotten, where local people interpret the world through their dreams and the forest spirit known as Arutam is said to inhabit the mighty kapok tree.” … [Read more...] about Nature and Culture: The two-faced nature of ecotourism
More than the trees: Empowering indigenous people to protect their rainforest homes
How much would you pay for 9 million hectares – that’s an area larger than Scotland or about the size of the US state of Indiana – of unspoiled old-growth tropical rainforest? No, I am not trying to swindle you or sell virgin rainforest lands, but this is now a question the world has to grapple with. According to the Financial Times, Mr. Bavon N’sa Mputu Elima, the Minister of Environment for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a presentation to the UK House of Parliament, explained that … [Read more...] about More than the trees: Empowering indigenous people to protect their rainforest homes
The Tricky Thing About Voting in Cameroon
A lack of voting in Cameroon by indigenous peoples cannot be simplified as voter apathy, but is reflective of deep frustration and hopelessness. … [Read more...] about The Tricky Thing About Voting in Cameroon
Successes (and further challenges) in Brazil
Here at RFUND, recent months have been full of progress, especially for our Surui partners in the Amazon. … [Read more...] about Successes (and further challenges) in Brazil
Vastness
Salt Flats in Uyuni, Bolivia are the largest in the world and contain lithium that is in high international demand. Indigenous communities in the region rely, in part, on the salt for their subsistence and have voiced their right to be part of the national discussions relating to its extraction and preservation. … [Read more...] about Vastness
A House IS a House
Houses differ in their materiality, aesthetics and construction depending on culture, environment, geographic location, etc.; but the core purpose of a house transcends boundaries. No house is more sacred than another. … [Read more...] about A House IS a House
