Indigenous peoples make up 5% of the planet’s population, but occupy approximately 22 % of the world’s land, and that land contains 80% of the remaining biological diversity on the planet - the most biologically valuable land on the planet. They have to be allowed to play a much more important role in the decision-making process concerning their lands which have forests, mineral resources, and fossil fuels that are coveted by transnational corporations and governments. Their traditional knowledge and skills should be honored and respected, as they have been good stewards of their lands and territories, having lived sustainably for generations, if not for hundreds of years.

Acknowledgement to contributors to this series of interviews:
Many thanks to Jim Heddle, Mary Beth Brangan, Morgan Peterson of the Ecological Options Network (EON) for their work editing and posting these interviews, and the use of video equipment. Victor Menotti of the International Forum on Globalization for doing some of the interviews. Guitar introduction to some of the videos - Miguel Viscaino of Patzcuaro, Mexico.


Friday, December 17, 2010

Interview with Francesco Martone - Part 1 of 2


Bing Gong interviews Francesco Martone, policy advisor for the Forest Peoples Programme UK that supports indigenous peoples rights.


From the Forest Peoples Programme website:
Forests cover 12% of the planet and nearly all are inhabited. Many of the peoples, who live in and have customary rights to their forests, have developed ways of life and traditional knowledge that are attuned to their forest environments. Yet, forest policies commonly treat forests as empty lands controlled by the state and available for ‘development’ – colonisation, logging, plantations, dams, mines, oil wells, gas pipelines and agribusiness. These encroachments often force forest peoples out of their forest homes. Many conservation schemes to establish wilderness reserves also deny forest peoples’ rights. Forest Peoples Programme (FPP) advocates an alternative vision of how forests should be managed and controlled, based on respect for the rights of the peoples who know them best. We work with forest peoples in South America, Africa, and Asia, to help them secure their rights, build up their own organisations and negotiate with governments and companies as to how economic development and conservation are best achieved on their lands.
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