International Mother Earth Day is a moment to encourage each other to live in harmony with nature and the Earth as our common home. To celebrate, read about and learn from indigenous peoples on the frontlines of climate action.
Take a moment on this page to hear some of their voices, and find out more about their solutions to sustain biodiversity, ecosystems and a livable climate.
Start with a global overview of indigenous peoples, and 10 things we all should know.
Meet the winners of the Equator Prize, and watch how community and indigenous initiatives around the world are restoring relationships with nature. Listen to a joint statement on global crisis and local solutions.
What do indigenous youth have to say about our Earth? Archana Soreng, a climate activist and youth advisor to the UN Secretary-General, weighs in on how we need to love nature as we love ourselves. Read her remarks to the US Leadership Summit on Climate.
With young women all over the world taking the lead on climate action, Xiye Bastida, a young indigenous woman from Mexico, describes how she became an activist for climate justice.
Land, energy, forests
Did you know? At least a quarter of the world’s land area is owned, managed, used or occupied by indigenous peoples and local communities. Get a perspective on indigenous peoples and the land they protect from the UN Environment Programme. Learn about its policy to promote environmental defenders.
Explore some of the complexities that indigenous people face in the transition to renewable energy.
See the call of human rights experts, including Francisco Cali Tzay, Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, for cuts to coal.
Learn about an innovative grant programme investing in sustainable forestry by indigenous peoples and local communities, and lessons in empowering indigenous women in climate action. Take a journey to local community initiatives in Burkina Faso.
Rights and traditional knowledge
Did you know indigenous peoples have their own declaration on their rights? Check it out. See what they have to say about progress in turning commitments into action!
Plus, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is meeting now, including discussion of a new report on indigenous peoples and climate change
Make a local-international connection. Learn more about indigenous peoples in the process around the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform.
Find out why traditional knowledge can be an answer to the most pressing global problems.
More on indigenous peoples and climate
Just out is the fifth edition of the State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, on rights to lands, territories and resources. It covers topics like women leading climate adaptation in Bangladesh.
Go deep on the issues, with the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples on climate change and climate finance.
