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The lush, green island of Palawan is home to one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse old-growth forests, harbouring unique species like the IUCN Red-listed Palawan pangolin. Indigenous communities, farmers and fishers too depend on the islands’ natural wealth. But as global demand for nickel surges to fuel the ‘clean’ energy transition, human rights and vital ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from mining activities. Grizelda Mayo Anda from our Philippine partner ELAC sheds her light on mining of energy transition minerals transition in Palawan: ‘I surely think the energy transition must be pursued. But the word ‘just’ is very, very important.’ 

Despite many advancements in literacy rates, still today, approximately 1 in 5 people are completely illiterate, and of those who are literate, around 3 billion people are limited to basic level reading and writing. The global economy, however, is increasingly becoming a knowledge-based economy, wherein literacy is essential. Illiterate persons are consequently faced with discriminatory challenges which negatively affect their health, economic and social well-being, and their ability to engage in political spheres, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.  

A strong civil society is essential for foreign trade and development cooperation. That is why the Strategic Partnerships, including the Green Livelihoods Alliance, are appealing to Minister Klever for Foreign Trade and Development and the Dutch House of Representatives to draft a new policy framework that strengthens civil society.

The Indonesian palm oil company Astra Agro Lestari (AAL) is notorious for deforestation and human rights violations. A new report reveals that AAL, in collaboration with the military police, is threatening local communities.

Sulawesi, the fourth-largest island in the Indonesian archipelago, is a sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife. It is home to endemic species such as the anoa, the babirusa, and the iconic maleo bird. This rich biodiversity is increasingly under threat from the expanding nickel industry. In recent years, the island has witnessed a sharp rise in nickel mines and smelters, endangering its ecosystems.

In a guest post and photo essay, freelance photojournalist Garry Lotulung delves into the pressing challenges facing Sulawesi’s unique wildlife and landscapes.

‘If one partner leaves the alliance, it would feel like the amputation of a leg.’ A conversation with Diana Nabiruma and Richard Ssemmanda of the Green Livelihoods Alliance, about their fight against deforestation for fossil fuel extraction in Uganda and their support for local communities – ‘and they protect us from intelligence agents’.

Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA) partners are actively participating at the CBD COP 16 in Colombia, from October 21st to November 1st, 2024. Access the full event schedule of GLA partners here.

Traditional knowledge transmission for the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. Join us for a youth-led conversation about how traditional knowledge strengthens youth's connection to their territories and safeguards biodiversity at CDB COP16 on October, 24th.

Tropical forests play a critical role in the stable provisioning of clean, fresh water and related ecosystem services. The challenge of water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change, with roughly half of the world’s population experiencing severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. At IUCN NL, we work towards sustained water supply for healthy ecosystems, productive landscapes and fair access to good quality water for local communities. Our distinctive approach to water and forests focuses on a bottom-up strategy, prioritising local CSOs and communities. We integrate the agendas of climate, water, biodiversity, and the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LCs).