Indigenous peoples' movements are critical to scale up agroecology. As guardians of biodiversity and ancestral knowledge, Indigenous peoples' struggles in defense of their territories and rights converge with key principles of agroecology, which makes this approach not just a set of practices, but a holistic vision for thinking about food systems.

Indeed, Indigenous peoples’ food systems are, in many ways, the foundation of modern agroecology. Many Indigenous peoples live in forested landscapes, meaning that their food systems require a broader understanding of agroecology as an approach encompassing multiple landscapes and types of natural resource management. These territories are considered critical to worldwide aspirations for climate change mitigation, as they are understood to be essential biodiversity hotspots and carbon sinks. This recognition by the global community presents both opportunities and threats for Indigenous peoples. Strengthening Indigenous food systems necessarily requires support for Indigenous Peoples' territorial rights.

This webinar explores the main features of the Indigenous peoples’ food systems, the synergies that exist between Indigenous peoples' food systems and the agroecology approach, and how the Indigenous peoples’ struggles to defend their rights and the agroecology movement grow in strength together. Key topics, such as the spiritual dimension of Indigenous peoples' food systems, as well as the role of women in the management of biodiversity and food security, are also addressed.