The Indigenous World 2021 is unique in its kind, it is a result of the combined efforts of Indigenous and non-indigenous experts, activists and scholars, who report on Indigenous Peoples’ rights. This year´s edition includes 62 regional and country reports and 20 reports about international processes and initiatives. For the first time since the beginning of this publication by IWGIA, the 2021 edition includes the work of FAO with Indigenous Peoples, and in particular on Indigenous Peoples´ Food Systems.

The publication highlights the fact that during 2020, Indigenous Peoples were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The reports detail the lack of access to proper health services, limited health information in Indigenous Peoples’ languages, minimal to no virtual education opportunities for Indigenous students and the closure of markets for the sale of goods. In sharp contrast, the year 2020 also marked the global recognition by scientists and policy makers of the sustainable and resilient elements of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and their capacity in preserving biodiversity. The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the need to find food systems that are more respectful of the environment and to learn from and listen to Indigenous Peoples.

IWGIA´s 2021 volume, explains how during the pandemic in 2020 many Indigenous Peoples proved once again their resilience by implementing traditional methods of protection by setting up their own networks, coming up with innovative solutions, and helping connect their communities so they are able to transfer information and goods.

FAO is very pleased to see IWGIA highlight the relevant work of FAOs’ Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) in contributing to the transformation towards more sustainable food systems. In particular four areas are regarded as important: Co-generation of knowledge; the endorsement by member states of the launching of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples´ Food Systems; the support of Indigenous Peoples’ in engaging with the UN Food Systems Summit; and the coordination of the drafting of the White / Whipala paper on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems. 

The co-organization by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and FAO North America of the High-Level Expert Seminar on North American Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems was  also featured in the report. 

Finally, this 2021 edition stresses the effects of COVID-19 on Indigenous Peoples’ food security. Indigenous Peoples have highlighted enhancing their food systems as a long- term solution to face the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

FAO drafted a  policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous Peoples in the early weeks of the pandemic, which includes a series of policy recommendations for governments and stakeholders to ensure the cultural and physical survival of Indigenous Peoples.

You can watch the recorded presentation of the publication 

https://www.facebook.com/IWGIA/videos/1387611671593798/

Watch the UNPFII side-event: Business as usual? Indigenous Peoples key role in building back better & Launch of the Indigenous World 2021

Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izWZcLvqiTk

English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ3IJ4-lqnY

Download and read the Indigenous World 2021: 

https://iwgia.org/en/resources/indigenous-world.html

https://iwgia.org/es/recursos/mundo-indigena.html