The rights of indigenous peoples and local communities were bolstered earlier this month following the launch of a multi-stakeholder institution dedicated to securing land rights.

It is the only [mechanism] of its kind dedicated to supporting indigenous peoples and local communities to recognize their land rights,” Nonette Royo, executive director of the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility, told Devex, adding that as well as helping people do more and better mapping, it also enables them to protect their territories in terms of legal procedures and active protection of their forests.

Created by the Rights and Resources Initiative, the International Land and Tenure Facility aims to resolve land-based conflicts by providing grants and legal support to communities seeking to protect their lands from exploitation by mining, energy, and agricultural companies. It brings together indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society organizations, and government institutions, and has the dual purpose of preserving the world’s tropical forests and natural resources while reducing poverty.

Read the full article by Naomi Mihara and Helen Morgan about land rights on Devex International Development