Community Governance

Community governance refers to the systems, structures, and practices that indigenous peoples and forest peoples use to make decisions and manage their communities, territories and relationships with their neighbours. These governance systems are often deeply rooted in cultural traditions, customary laws, customs, and relationships with the land, emphasizing collective decision-making and respect for all members of the community, including elders, women, and youth.

Why is it relevant to indigenous peoples and forest peoples? 

The right of indigenous peoples and forest peoples to self-governance – including respect for their self-chosen systems of representation and collective decision making –is derived from their to self-determination, and an important factor in securing their cultural resilience, and survival. It enables these communities to govern themselves without external interference, allowing them to lead their lives according to their own values and traditions. This autonomy is particularly crucial for indigenous peoples and many forest peoples as it allows them to protect their lands, territories and resources from encroachment and land grabs, and from the destruction of the biodiversity on which their livelihood and food systems depend. 

Community governance also underpins the abilities of the indigenous peoples and forest peoples to carry out their role as stewards of their lands and effectively sustain their communities and territories in the face of external interference that may try to undermine their governance systems. Evidence shows that where indigenous peoples governance is strengthened and protected, communities are best placed to manage their lands and safeguard the integrity of the forests they have care for, for generations.

It is also critical that indigenous peoples and forest peoples have the financial means to maintain and strengthen their governance systems and receive support that not only enables them to meet the current needs of their communities and territories but also plan for the future, including how to face the challenges posed by the current climate and biodiversity crises.