From Conservation International."A Challenge to Conservationists" (World Watch, November/December 2004) offered an interpretation of the relationship between indigenous peoples The term indigenous peoples has no universal, standard or fixed definition, but can be used about any ethnic group who inhabit the geographic region with which they have the earliest historical connection. and conservationists who work to save biodiversity biodiversity: see biological diversity. biodiversity Quantity of plant and animal species found in a given environment. Sometimes habitat diversity (the variety of places where organisms live) and genetic diversity (the variety of traits expressed around the world. The article raised several important issues regarding those relationships, and we agree that those topics deserve serious attention. Over the past several years, these matters have increasingly occupied more of our time and resources, and our commitment to building long-lasting and productive relationships with indigenous communities has never been stronger. Therefore, we were disappointed by both the content and tone of the article, which was fraught fraught adj. 1. Filled with a specified element or elements; charged: an incident fraught with danger; an evening fraught with high drama. 2. with errors and unsubstantiated assertions. Instead of shedding light on such a critical issue, we are concerned that the article drives a wedge between conservationists and indigenous people, thereby distracting dis·tract tr.v. dis·tract·ed, dis·tract·ing, dis·tracts 1. To cause to turn away from the original focus of attention or interest; divert. 2. To pull in conflicting emotional directions; unsettle. attention from what really matters: protecting and maintaining biodiversity, and the basic ecological ecological emanating from or pertaining to ecology. ecological biome see biome. ecological climax the state of balance in an ecosystem when its inhabitants have established their permanent relationships with each processes and ecosystem services Humankind benefits from a multitude of resources and processes that are supplied by natural ecosystems. Collectively, these benefits are known as ecosystem services and include products like clean drinking water and processes like the decomposition of wastes. that are the foundations for sustainable livelihoods, indigenous cultures, and economic development. We would like to provide your readers with accurate information regarding our organization's values, policies, and track record. Since its founding, CI has believed that conservation must benefit all people who live in areas of high priority for biodiversity conservation, and there are no more meaningful places to demonstrate this than the homelands of indigenous and traditional peoples. Recognizing this, one of our five core organizational goals over the next five years is to continue increasing our partnerships with and the support of indigenous peoples. CI was among the first large environmental organizations to adopt an indigenous peoples policy in 1996, and we updated that policy last year. We regularly consult with indigenous leaders on its implementation. Our work with indigenous communities has produced important results. For example, in 1992 we began helping Brazil's Kayapo Indians transition from uncontrolled logging to economically and ecologically sustainable forms of income generation for their emerging development needs, including protection of their 28-million-acre reservation territory from ranching and other illegal invasions. In Ghana, we teamed up with the indigenous communities of the Kakum National Park Kakum National Park is one of the best known national parks in Ghana; it is in the southern part of Ghana, in what is known as the Central Region. The Park was first established in 1990 from an area of 350 square kilometers to the north of Cape Coast and Elmina near the small town to build a canopy walkway Canopy walkways are bridges between and in the canopy of a forest; mostly linked up with platforms inside or around the trees. They were originally intended as access to the upper regions of ancient forests for scientist who conduct canopy research. that is today one of West Africa's most popular tourism destinations. CI has also worked closely with the highest council of traditional rulers in Ghana to create a campaign for the protection of endangered en·dan·ger tr.v. en·dan·gered, en·dan·ger·ing, en·dan·gers 1. To expose to harm or danger; imperil. 2. To threaten with extinction. wildlife, using sacred animals as the flagship for the campaign. This also helps protect the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in Ghana. These are just two examples of many. Last year, we shared 25 percent of our budget with partner organizations. Still, the combined budgets of CI and the other major conservation groups pale in comparison to the resources needed to face the environmental challenges of today's world, including the pressing needs of indigenous peoples to hold their ground and sustainably manage their lands against formidable forces. We welcome new ideas "New Ideas" is the debut single by Scottish New Wave/Indie Rock act The Dykeenies. It was first released as a Double A-side with "Will It Happen Tonight?" on July 17, 2006. The band also recorded a video for the track. for how conservationists can work with indigenous peoples to secure funding at a much larger scale. Regarding our collaboration with the private sector, CI works with industry partners to change the impact of their activities from environmental harm to ecological stewardship stewardship the occupation of being a steward or custodian. Referring to animals it implies the caring sort of relationship based on an acceptance of the need to include the rights of animals in overall plans to maintain financial viability. . Biodiversity conservation is too complex and important to exclude entire sectors. By working constructively with both industry and local communities, we stand a far better chance of affecting positive change for indigenous peoples and long-term stewardship. When it comes to developing our conservation strategies, it is our core belief that sound science must underpin decision-making. Many well-respected and peer-reviewed scientific journals have evaluated our work, and have agreed that our scientific approaches are sound. Taking these findings, our scientists have worked hand in hand with indigenous leaders around the world to design durable conservation strategies. We invite anyone interested in learning more about Conservation International to visit our website at www.conservation.org/xp/CIWEB/wwresponse/. While there, we hope you will explore in greater detail our approach, track record, and core beliefs. PETER SELIGMANN CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Conservation International JATNA SUPRIATNA Regional Vice President, CI-Indonesia OKYEAME AMPADU-AGYEI Country Director, CI-Ghana |
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