Upholding ‘Territories of Life’ with ICCA Consortium
Custodian communities and their ICCAs – Territories of Life face growing pressures from rapid socio-ecological change. At the same time, they are increasingly recognized as vital for safeguarding the world’s remaining biological and cultural diversity. Plateau Perspectives supports Indigenous peoples and local communities through practical actions, partnerships, and collaborative solutions.
ICCAs—Territories of Life are areas of land, water, and natural resources that Indigenous peoples and local communities collectively govern, manage, and care for. They are defined by three key features: a close and enduring connection between a community and its territory; community-led governance and decision-making; and effective conservation outcomes that sustain both biodiversity and cultural identity. These valuable territories represent living systems where ecological health and community wellbeing are deeply intertwined.
In June 2019, Plateau Perspectives co-sponsored and participated in the West and Central Asia and the Caucasus 2019 Regional Assembly, which was held in Yerevan, Armenia with participants joining from Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, at the Annual General Meeting of the Consortium held in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India in December 2019, Plateau Perspectives’ international director was appointed as Auditor of the accounts for the consortium, to serve as representative of the membership and thus help ensure transparency and accountability in regard to funded projects and financial operations.
The West and Central Asia regional report offers an overview of ICCAs—Territories of Life across the region, highlighting their diversity, current status, and the pressures they face. It provides key insights into how community-governed lands contribute to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and resilient livelihoods.
