The Government of Jalisco, as a member of the Working Group of the Governors on Climate and Forests (GCF Task Force), voted in favor of the “Principles of Collaboration and Association among Subnational Governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities “.
It is a document that demonstrates the commitments of subnational governments to work with indigenous peoples and local communities. These principles provide guidance and serve as a starting point for this cooperation in the area of mitigation of climate change from the forestry sector, a statement said.
The Secretariat of Environment and Territorial Development (Semadet) indicated that the document was presented during the 2018 annual meeting of the GCF Task Force that takes place in San Francisco, California, with the intention of being adopted by the subnational governments that are members of this group.
This is another example of the fact that Jalisco recognizes the work done by local communities and indigenous peoples for the conservation of the territory, in its forests and jungles, in an integral manner, he said.
Therefore, he said, in the mechanisms of emission reduction and climate change strategies we include the bioculturality of our state to work together with local communities in the hard work of conservation.
It also seeks to promote low-emission sustainable development and form alliances with local communities and indigenous peoples of the jurisdiction. In this sense, it is celebrated that the subnational leaders recognize this effort of the people that inhabit the territory, he added.
The initiative, he said, was signed and validated by representatives and authorities of local communities and indigenous peoples; so the Government of Jalisco supported the adoption of these principles and shared the recommendations issued in this matter by the State Commission of Human Rights of Jalisco (CEDHJ).
He noted that “this represents a truly good opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us, while fostering inclusive, respectful and successful participation of all sectors of society.”
Among the “Guiding Principles for the Alliance between Subnational Governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities” are:
We recognize and respect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities in relation to their lands, territories, culture, self-determination, and governance (ILO 169, New York Declaration for Forests).
We recognize the historical contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities to the maintenance of forest reserves and environmental services.
Facilitate and strengthen indigenous peoples and local communities with respect to territorial governance, forest conservation, and management, preservation and respect of their traditional knowledge and worldviews.
Design, together, initiatives and ways to distribute benefits, increase financing mechanisms, develop capacities and consultations.
Promote measures to guarantee the protection of the defense of forests by indigenous peoples and local communities.
