Indigenous Peoples are amongst the best stewards of the oceans. Their longstanding relationship with the world’s oceans provided them with a deep knowledge of the oceans’ ecology and how they behave and change. For many Indigenous Peoples, seas and oceans mean life, food, connection, culture, freedom of movement, embedded knowledge, a look into innovations and deep spiritual connections. The relationship between Indigenous Peoples and oceans is one of care, respect and reciprocity. And this has also been recognised in the Third UN Oceans Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France, in June 2025. 

For thousands of years Indigenous Peoples have used fire to sustainably manage their lands, territories and natural resources. As ecological stewards, Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and practices of fire management are deeply rooted in their comprehensive understanding of the land and ecosystem cycles, as well as spiritual and cultural values. Their practices have an important role in protecting biodiversity, cultural diversity, enhancing food security and reducing wildfire risks and threats within their lands and territories.

The FAO/WHO Task Force on the Review of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management (ICCPM) is pleased to launch a g...

As the world faces a mounting ecological crisis, marked by the rapid degradation of ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and advancing desertification, an ambitious initiative is lighting a path forward: the Indigenous Peoples’ Biocentric Restoration Global Programme

Through this open call, we are inviting Indigenous organizations, UN Agencies, philanthropists, academia, governments, and other relevant actors to apply for side-event spaces that will be held at the Nomad Indigenous FoodLab (a Saami nomadic tent) during the week of the meeting of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems (13-17th October 2025).

The 24th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) started at the UN General Assembly Hall, New York, on 21 April 2025 and lasted until the 2 May. Hundreds of Indigenous leaders and representatives from across the globe convened to discuss and address current issues, opportunities and challenges that affect Indigenous Peoples’ lives worldwide. FAO took part to the discussions and contributed meaningfully to the UNPFII, reiterating its commitment to the recognition, respect and promotion of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and strengthening its collaboration with the Forum and its Members.

Climate and health policies have often overlooked the needs and voices of Indigenous Peoples, including their adaptive resilience and preparedness mechanisms. But a transformative side-event that took place on the 23 April, during the 2025 Session of the UNPFII, shed light on ...

Guaranteeing Indigenous Peoples’ right to mobility is essential to preserve their food and knowledge systems, as well as biodiversity and food security. This is the main message from the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems’ side-event that took place on the 22nd of April in the framework of the 24th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), which was based on the upcoming Global-Hub collective paper on Mobility within Indigenous Peoples' strategies for food, livelihoods and territoriality, and its importance for biodiversity conservation. 

Indigenous Peoples’ representatives from all seven socio-cultural regions of the world gathered in the UN Headquarters’ General Assembly Hall to advance on the work on Indigenous issues. This year UNPFII will focus on Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges”

The 24th Session of the Forum on Indigenous Issues will convene, in person from 21 April to 2 May 2025, under the theme “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges”.  

The Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems is gaining momentum as it welcomes new members and deepens its pool of expertise to feed into current global discussions on food security, nutrition, and the sustainable transformation of food systems: elements at the centre of the work of the World Committee on Food Security (CFS).

In a groundbreaking moment, the 20th Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), held at FAO headquarters in Rome from 24 to 28 March 2025, marked a historic step toward inclusive participation of Indigenous Peoples in global governance for agricultural biodiversity. For the first time in the Commission’s history, Indigenous Peoples delivered a statement during the plenary session, which led to the formal recognition of the importance of their inclusion in the Commission’s meetings and decision-making processes.

During CBD COP 16.2, the Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) of the FAO held a meeting with the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), representing all seven socio-cultural regions of the world. The meeting ...

On the eve of the International Women’s Day, FAO took steps forward with the leadership of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) – Knowledge Makers Program and the Indigenous Women authors of the Special Edition of the Knowledge Makers Journal, Volume 8 publication.  The 7^th of March 2025 marked an important moment for FAO to recognize, value and uplift the knowledge and research of Indigenous Women for a better future for food systems and the planet. 

On the margins of the second session of the COP in Rome, PSUI has been pleased to strengthen its collaborations with Indigenous and political bodies to advance on the new CBD agenda

Rome - The rise in nitrogen fertilizers over the past century has significantly contributed to enhancing agricultural production and bolstering food security and nutrition for an expanding global population. Nevertheless, improper use of nitrogen can severely damage air, water, and soil quality, result in biodiversity loss, and exacerbate climate change.

Riyadh– The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),  marked a significant milestone for Indigenous Peoples and their role in contrasting desertification and sustainably managing ecosystems. Indigenous Peoples’ knowled...

Way too often, Indigenous Peoples’ voices are underrepresented on the global stage and in international organisations. This is why FAO launched an art contest to Indigenize its publications. The three winners, from Panama, Nepal and Bangladesh, discuss their artworks and the importance of art for Indigenous Peoples.