Bronx, NY, 28 April 2026—The Third Conservation and Human Rights Forum today released a new report. The report captures discussions that reflect a shift from basic human rights awareness toward locally defined priorities, greater recognition of Indigenous knowledge, and improvements to financial and governance systems. It also highlights the need for stronger accountability from governments and private sector actors, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Forum co-chairs Dr. Myrna Cunningham Kain and Sushil Raj emphasized the importance of advancing self-determination and working collaboratively to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and human rights violations.

“Through these forums we are reimagining what conservation could look like, even as Indigenous Peoples are confronting a lot of complex challenges,” said Edna Kaptoyo of the Pawanka Fund. “For Indigenous Peoples innovation could be revitalizing. Strengthening new governance models can lead to new initiatives and new ways of impact to support nature.”

The third Forum brought together Indigenous Peoples (IPs), people of African descent (PAD), local communities (LCs), conservation organizations, and donors to move beyond “inclusive conservation” as a concept and focus on practical implementation. Discussions highlighted the importance of co-design, collaboration, and shared approaches across the conservation sector, while recognizing the challenges and differences involved.

The link between protecting nature and protecting people remained central. Discussions also examined the roles of people of African descent, caste-affected groups, and women in conservation, with a focus on closing gender gaps and supporting restoration efforts that are responsive to local needs.

The report concludes with practical recommendations to improve conservation funding, strengthen human rights and land tenure, incorporate Indigenous knowledge, and support gender equality and leadership.

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