Towards more equitable and effective nature conservation led by Indigenous peoples and local communities

Principles for equitable governance and respect for rights are integral to the ambitious global biodiversity targets for 2030. Adhering to these principles requires a widespread shift in mainstream conservation practice – one that is both morally imperative and holds the greatest potential to address biodiversity loss. But there is limited understanding about how to reorient site-level practices, and address the barriers, which impede a transformation in the role of Indigenous peoples and local communities. This edition of Policy Matters addresses that knowledge gap by providing detailed case study examples in which journeys are underway towards more equitable and effective conservation. This introduction brings together key messages about the changes enacted, challenges faced, lessons learned and outcomes evidenced from the diverse cases – in Thailand, India, the Federated States of Micronesia, Madagascar, Kenya, Mexico and Indonesia – and acts as a call to situate Indigenous peoples and local communities, their knowledge and practices, at the centre of a global shift towards more just and effective conservation.