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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Yale University, and Indigenous Peoples organizations from Latin America have launched a new training programme aimed at strengthening Indigenous leadership and advancing rights-based conservation across the region. The initiative seeks to promote stronger territorial governance while recognizing the vital role Indigenous communities play in protecting biodiversity.
The Intercultural Training Programme on Rights-Based Conservation has been developed through collaboration between Yale Universitys Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI), the Yale Center for Environmental Justice (YCEJ), IUCN, and representatives from Indigenous organizations. Supported by Sweden and the European Union, the programme focuses on building the capacity of Indigenous leaders to manage territories, defend rights, and contribute to conservation efforts.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that effective conservation requires cooperation between scientific knowledge, traditional ecological knowledge, and the experiences of communities that have protected their territories for generations. By bringing together academic institutions, conservation experts, and Indigenous leaders, the programme aims to develop more inclusive approaches to environmental protection.
The training programme was created through a collaborative design process involving regional assessments, Indigenous leadership input, and workshops to develop its curriculum and learning approach. The focus is on practical knowledge-sharing and peer learning, allowing participants to explore solutions related to territorial governance, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of Indigenous rights.
The first group of participants will include 25 Indigenous leaders from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Peru. The programme will combine in-person learning in Ecuador with online sessions covering topics such as Indigenous territorial rights, biodiversity management, climate action, restoration, and community-led conservation practices.
Beyond skills development, the initiative aims to create a regional network of Indigenous leaders working on conservation and territorial stewardship. Organizers also envision the programme as a foundation for a long-term intercultural training platform that supports knowledge exchange and collaboration throughout Latin America.
The partnership between IUCN, Yale University, and Indigenous organizations highlights the importance of rights-based approaches in addressing biodiversity loss and climate challenges. By placing local communities at the center of conservation strategies, the initiative seeks to support more sustainable, equitable, and effective environmental solutions.
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