On December 6, 2023, Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN) and Conservation International co-hosted a side event in collaboration with the Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal (FECOFUN) and Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) at the Nepal Pavilion. The event focused on the “Dedicated Grant Mechanism (DGM): Sharing Perspectives from Nepal, Mexico, and Brazil.” The occasion brought together diverse voices from indigenous communities and forest user groups, facilitating an understanding among project implementers from different corners of the globe.
Dr. Arjun Karki, President of Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN), commenced the session with opening remarks, providing insights into the workings of DGM in Nepal. Emphasizing the significance of grassroots involvement with 14 Indigenous Populations (IP) and Local Communities (LC) organizations in Lumbini and Madesh provinces, he stated, “Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are not merely victims of the climate crisis; they are also integral to the solutions. Studies show their effectiveness, sometimes surpassing state-based efforts. However, they are often marginalized and unrecognized.”
Ms. Bharati Pathak, a member of the DGM Global Steering Committee, echoed Dr. Karki’s sentiments, underscoring the pivotal role of indigenous people in environmental safeguarding. She expressed gratitude for the innovative platform spanning 12 countries, facilitating dialogue on making climate finance available and accessible to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
Pathak addressed challenges faced by women farmer groups, discussing country-specific variations and emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences to bridge the gap between local voices and global platforms. The dialogue aimed at ensuring project sustainability and securing long-term benefits for IPLCs in forested and rural areas.
Gelje Lama Sherpa of the Nepal Community Forest Users Federation (NEFIN) highlighted the need to address the disproportionate impact of global warming on tribal communities through lack of awareness, capacity building and information access. Sherpas urge donors to establish Direct Contact Donors to reduce carbon emissions for access to direct funding for indigenous peoples.
Thakuri Bhandari, President of Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN), emphasized their relentless efforts to combat desertification and deforestation, advocating for community-level engagement and grants over loans. Bhandari underscored the significance of reaching marginalized communities, including Dalit women and children.
Insights from Ms. Rode Cilicia Ahyte Enriques of Mexico and Ms. Maria De Lourdes De Dsouza of Brazil echoed the importance of nature-based solutions to climate change. Enriques focused on agroforestry and community strategies in Mexico, while De Dsouza from Brazil stated that the efforts and challenges that are faced by these communities are universal globally. She stressed on the need for a global collaboration.
Maheshwar Dhakal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Nepal emphasized the scientific clarity regarding the vulnerability of indigenous people, commending their efforts in biodiversity conservation. Dhakal urged for the allocation of climate-related projects to local communities and raised crucial questions about the Loss and Damage Fund, emphasizing the need for clear directions to ensure its effective utilization in supporting IPLCs.
The event served as a convergence point for stakeholders from Nepal, Mexico, and Brazil, fostering an understanding of challenges and successes in implementing the Dedicated Grant Mechanism. Shared perspectives underscored the critical role of indigenous communities in addressing climate challenges, advocating for sustainability, inclusivity, and direct access to funds to secure the rights of IPLCs. The dialogue called for global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and learning from diverse experiences to strengthen community-level engagements in the face of climate crises.