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 Marcelo Carreon

Dec. 6, 2010 - Marcelo Carreon is interviewed by Victor Menotti, with IFG intern, Karen Abella, translating.  Carreon is leading a mobilization to Cancun of over 3,000 members of the National Union of Autonomous Regional Campesino Organizations-National Coordination (UNORCA-CN) in Mexico.  Drawing most heavily from the Mayan region that surrounds Cancun, indigenous, forest, and farming communities are coming to COP 16 to pressure governments to agree to ambitious cuts in the dangerous greenhouse gases. They are also demanding that all decisions respect indigenous peoples' and forest communities' rights.  Carreon explains how a decade-long drought that are believed to be increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.   The impacts are drying up the traditional corn crops threatening their livelihoods and survival.
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