'Indigenous Peoples Are Stabilizing The Global Climate'

There is always a point of perfect balance - even when it comes to climate change. Which is that point and who are the ones that can help balance the equation?

Many studies point towards land titling for indigenous communities as a factor that decreases deforestation and forest degradation. But besides the facts, indigenous peoples keep struggling for basic recognition of their ancestral land and access to resources.

The Development Agenda 2030 is not a new approach

What it seems to lack in the discussion of climate actions is existing traditional principles of relating to nature. The fight against climate change emerged by the hand of the Global Goals as a new way of protecting the Earth, when in fact this is already a way of life for many indigenous peoples around the world.

" We live in line with ancestral climate principles. We know that if we do not protect the spiritual connection with water, forests and animals, mother Earth will die. But while we agree on our responsibility, we want to be heard with the same respect as other actors and countries", explains Candido Mezúa indigenous leader from Panama.

In an interesting one-to-one interview with an indigenous leader, this article reflects on land rights as a cornerstone for advancing environmental justice for all -not only the Western world!