Snowchange Cooperative supports Indigenous rights and restores damaged landscapes
Along with welcoming a new year, we would like to share a glimpse of the work of Land is Life’s close partner in the Arctic and Boreal regions, Snowchange Cooperative, a nonprofit based in Finland. Snowchange is a network of Indigenous and local communities that is devoted to advancing traditional knowledge and livelihoods in policy-making and practice. In 2019, Land is Life and Snowchange joined forces to expand our Indigenous-led grantmaking initiative to the Arctic region. The collaboration has led to carrying out 15 Indigenous-led projects in the Arctic, ranging from traditional knowledge mapping to strengthening food sovereignty. In addition, Land is Life has supported the conservation of Kivisuo, a large intact peatland, biodiversity hotspot and carbon sink, and the restoration of Kissapuro brook, that are both part of Snowchange’s Landscape Rewilding Program. The community-based program conserves intact ecosystems and restores habitats that have been disturbed by industrial land use, such as peat mining, forestry, and hydropower. In 2021 the Rewilding Program reached its scope to 55 sites, covering more than 31,000 hectares. One of the key areas of the program is the Njauddâm River Watershed, a cross-border basin in northern Finland and Norway. It is home to the Skolt Sámi, a small Indigenous group belonging to the Sámi Peoples, who practice traditional fishing and reindeer herding in the borderland between present-day Finland, Russia, and Norway. The Njauddâm River is an important Atlantic salmon river with whom the Skolts have a deep relationship, consisting of fishing, oral histories, handicrafts, songs, and language. However, the river and thus the Skolt Sámi ways of life are facing major threats, caused by climate change, salmon farming along Norway’s coast, releases from the nearby mining activities, as well as expanding tourism development. In 2011, to address these challenges, the Skolt Sámi collaborated with Snowchange to launch the Njauddâm River Collaborative Management Plan, first of its kind in Finland. A decade of work has resulted in large-scale ecological restoration, documentation of Indigenous observations of climate and biodiversity impacts, documentation of traditional land use and culture, scientific research on climate and biodiversity changes, as well as development of new management and governance models of the basin. In 2021, the first-ever microplastics survey was conducted in the region with alarming results. Additionally, Ruʹvddvääʹrr, a large Skolt Sámi Indigenous forest with recovering habitats and ecological and cultural value, was safeguarded with the Rewilding Program. Community-led restoration and conservation are empowering practices of crucial importance as they pave the way towards a growing recognition of land rights, Indigenous self-determination, and a more equitable governance of natural resources where traditional livelihoods are allowed to thrive in healthy landscapes. Skolt Sámi Elder Vladimir Feodoroff cleaning a freshly caught grayling by Njauddâm River. Skolt Sámi fisherman Juha Feodoroff and a seasonal helping hand (on the right) seining for whitefish on Lake Jänisjärvi.
Annual Meeting of the International Working Group of Indigenous Peoples Living in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact – GTI PIACI
The International Working Group of Indigenous Peoples Living in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact (GTI-PIACI), is an international working group made up by indigenous organizations and non-governmental organizations who are committed with the protection, defense and promotion of the rights of these peoples, in the Amazon and the Gran Chaco. At the October 2019 Lima Convening that established the Working Group, Land is Life was unanimously chosen by the 21 Indigenous organizations to act as the Secretariat of the GTI-PIACI. Dear allies & friends, Between the 8th and 11th of December in Panama City, delegates from 15 Indigenous organizations and NGOs from 7 countries got together to discuss the protection of Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation (PIACI) in the Amazon, Brazilian Cerrado, and Gran Chaco regions. After two years of challenges generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected many Indigenous territories, leaders, and institutions, we were able to hold our annual meeting to establish a work plan for the upcoming years and to share updates on the national and regional situations regarding the protection of the lives and territories of Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. There is still a lot to be done to improve the state of protection of PIACI. Various threats are deepening the vulnerability of Indigenous territories, as revealed in the meeting’s presentations from each country. The expanding drug trade and illegal mining remain a constant threat across the Amazon region. Increasing deforestation and wildfires are destroying the forests, which for the Ayoreo, who inhabit the Gran Chaco between Bolivia and Paraguay, has immensely limited their living conditions and poses growing concerns to their livelihood. As the GTI-PIACI, we collectively were able to achieve the following during the four-day meeting: We identified the importance of a methodology for protection, including territorial, cultural and technological aspects, as well as confirmation from Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. The methodology will be unique to each region. We recognized the possibilities and limitations of national and international legal frameworks in developing strategies for protection in each country, as well as in international human rights systems. We conducted learning sessions with experts on newly developed resources that provide us with a more comprehensive understanding of areas of destruction from deforestation, including its impacts and damages. We agreed upon establishing a system of early warnings regarding development plans and projects that are threatening areas where presence of Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation has been identified. With this, as the Secretariat for the GTI-PIACI, we want to thank all the Indigenous leaders for their participation and dedicated work for the protection of Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. The collaborative nature of our Working Group allows us to be strategic with our efforts towards protecting all those who live in voluntary isolation. In solidarity, Land is Life, The Secretariat of the GTI-PIACI
Land is Life condemns the killings of civilians in Nagaland, India
14 coal miners, belonging to the Konyak Naga, were shot dead by an army patrol on December 4th in Oting village in the Nagaland State, Northeast India. According to the Indian Army, its troops mistook the civilians for insurgents, but the locals reject this claim. The killing of unarmed villagers has evoked wide protests. The devastating incident was by far not the first time that Indian security forces have been accused of arbitrarily targeting innocent residents in their operations in the area. Nagaland has witnessed armed conflict since India gained its independence from Britain in 1947. Naga groups have been demanding self-determination and autonomy regarding their homelands, to which the Government of India responded by enacting the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in 1958. The act grants special powers to the security forces to maintain public order in so-called “disturbed areas”, declared under Section 3 of AFSPA. It protects the soldiers by legitimizing any action they may take, such as the killing of civilians, even by mistake. The act thus violates fundamental human rights and is misused as a repressive tool to discriminate and oppress indigenous peoples in Northeast India. For decades, AFSPA has been a subject of severe criticism by UN bodies, human rights activists and organizations, and called for its repeal. Land is Life joins the condemnation of the Nagaland killings and supports the demands for the Government of India to take immediate action to repeal the AFSPA. Comprehensive and independent investigations of the incident should be ensured, to punish those army officials involved in the violations, and provide restitution to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples of North East India who are tirelessly fighting for justice and human rights.
Land is Life congratulates Blanca Chancoso for winning a prestigious literature prize
Pioneering leader of the Indigenous movement in Ecuador, María Blanca Chancoso Sánchez, has won the José Peralta literature prize for her autobiography Los hilos con los que he tejido mi historia. The prize was awarded by the municipality of Quito as part of the annual celebrations that recognize the work of the most remarkable artists, writers, and researchers of Ecuador. Land is Life supported the writing process of the book that not only tells the story of an Indigenous woman but also describes the history of the Indigenous movement in Ecuador. Blanca narrates the story from a unique perspective of a daughter of Indigenous parents who moved to a city, a woman leading the Indigenous movement, a tireless Indigenous defender, and a mother. “Estoy muy agradecida porque es un gran estímulo para seguir trabajando. El reconocimiento que me han dado en la vida es hermoso. Es un cumplido. A finales de los 90 se intentó hacer un folleto con mi trabajo y el de otros líderes. Ahora bien, este libro es grande, donde se incorporan más historias. Siento que el impulso está ahí para continuar con lo que hemos estado haciendo.” [I am very grateful because it is a great stimulus to continue working. The recognition that they have given me in life is beautiful. It’s a compliment. At the end of the 90’s, an attempt was made to make a brochure with my work and that of other leaders. Now this book is a big one, where more stories are incorporated. I feel like the momentum is there to continue what we’ve been doing.] Blanca Chancoso Land is Life honors the remarkable work of Blanca and warmly congratulates her for the award. Please find here the link to purchase Blanca’s book.
Land is Life Stands in Solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Manipur Against Threatening Dam & Infrastructure Projects
Manipur State, in Northeast India, home to many Indigenous peoples, has faced an aggressive push for large infrastructure and energy projects during 2020 and 2021. Destructive plans are being enforced without the consent of affected Indigenous and local communities. Jiten Yumnam, Regional South-Asia Coordinator for Land is Life and Secretary of the Center for Research and Advocacy Manipur (CRAM), has advocated for the urgent need to have consent of all affected communities prior to proceeding with proposed projects. Manipur is one of the states included for a $300 million dollar loan agreement signed in 2015, between the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aiming to improve road connectivity and increase domestic and regional trade. One of the planned projects under the mentioned funding is the Imphal Town Ring Road. The Ring Road construction will acquire more than 1000 acres of agricultural lands as well as sacred hills and adjoining forests of the Meitei people. It will also affect the Ipum wetland that the Meitei utilize for access to water, fishing, and seasonal food collection. One of the most irreparable consequences of the road project is the forced eviction threatening the entire Tharon village. The eviction order labeled the Tharon and Langthabal Chingthak villagers, inhabited by Kabui people, as illegal encroachers in their own village that has been their home for 500 years. The Ring Road will involve the removal of graves and tombs of ancestors, which is a taboo to the Kabui people, as well as the destruction of the only pond that serves as the main water source of the village. Even though the plans have placed more than 500 families in fear of losing their ancestral lands and livelihoods, no consultation has been carried out with the local communities. The Ring Road is one of many projects currently threatening the Indigenous and local communities of Manipur. Manipur’s hydropower boom is ongoing, and multiple rivers are targeted for electricity production. Leimatak River is one of the most important rivers of Manipur. It is already affected by direct discharge of water from the Loktak Power Station, which has curtailed villagers’ dependence on the river for fishing and sand collection. Furthermore, many villages along the Leimatak River are now highly vulnerable to losing their agricultural lands and forests due to the proposed 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Project and 70 MW Nungleiband dam. The deteriorating consequences of dam construction have already been seen in many lakes, rivers and their surrounding lands. The people living by the Loktak Lake, for instance, have lost their lands, fish species and seasonal plants, which threatens the entire culture, dependent on the lake. Yumnam stresses that the government should desist promoting false climate change solutions such as large dams, due to their destructive nature. CRAM, led by Yumnam, alongside partners, has organized several consultation events regarding the described projects. The Indigenous peoples of Manipur do not oppose development as such, but the key lies in respecting community rights over their land and resources and rightful involvement in all decision making. To promote the self-determination of Indigenous peoples, Land is Life and CRAM advocate for the implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Community-led FPIC protocols are a powerful mechanism to ensure that development serves the needs, priorities and interests of the local people. Land is Life stands in solidarity with Indigenous and local communities of Manipur and supports their demands regarding the Imphal Ring Road, the 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric and 70 MW Nungleiband dam Projects, with the following recommendations: FPIC should be put into practice immediately. The UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights, 2007 should be implemented in Manipur. The projects should be held back as long as they are lacking the consent and recognition of rights of the affected communities. More sustainable alternatives for the projects should be sought with the communities. No forceful eviction should occur. Immediate reparation should be given to the community members already affected. Comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments should be conducted, as well as rehabilitation plans should be developed, and approved by the communities.