September 25, 2026
A unique gathering of Indigenous
people impacted by conservation will issue a historic
statement this Friday at a press conference in Nairobi,
denouncing the devastating impact that the conservation
industry, carbon offset projects and government policies are
having on their lives, lands and rights.
Press
conference:
Where:
Kiboko Room, Maanzoni Lodge, Mombasa Road, Athi
River, Kenya
When: 11am East Africa
Time, Friday September 25, 2026.
Online:
https://rebrand.ly/olonpressconference
The
declaration, to be signed by Indigenous representatives from
16 countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, is
expected to demand respect for Indigenous rights, an end to
evictions and the recognition of Indigenous peoples as the
best conservationists.
The Our Land, Our Nature
(https://www.ourlandournature.org/nairobi) gathering has
brought together — for the first time — Indigenous
representatives from around the world who are fighting
against land theft in the name of conservation. Their common
experience exposes the human cost of fortress conservation
and carbon markets. They also presented Indigenous-led
alternatives.
Today, at least 3 million Indigenous
people across Africa, Asia and the Americas are paying the
price for conservation — with their land and with their
lives. Those who resist face intimidation, criminalization,
violence and, in some cases, murder.
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At the same time,
governments and conservation organizations are expanding
Protected Areas, while carbon markets are creating new
pressures on Indigenous territories.
Around 60
Indigenous people from the following countries have come
together for the unprecedented event:
- Argentina
(Qom and Mbya Guarani peoples) - Bolivia (Uchupiamona
Indigenous people) - Botswana (Gana and Tshasi
people) - Cambodia (Bunong Indigenous
people) - Cameroon (Baka people)
- Colombia
(Pasto people) - Ecuador (Kichwa
people)) - India (Jenu Kuruba people)
- Kenya
(Ogiek, Samburu/ Maa people) - Nepal (Tharu
people) - Peru (Kichwa people)
- Republic of
Congo (Baka) - Tanzania (Maasai
people) - Thailand (Plong Karen people)
- Uganda
(Mosopisyek/Kalenjin sub-group) - United States (Diné
and Dakota nations)
Note:
This unique
gathering was organized by Conservation Solutions Afrika and
Survival
International.
