Nearly all forests across the globe are inhabited and the peoples who live there have customary rights and ways of life and traditional knowledge that are attuned to their forest environments. Yet, government policies commonly treat forests as empty lands owned and controlled by the state, and decisions are frequently made about the land without the consent of the people who live there, and which often force those people from their homes.

2017 was a busy and rewarding year for FPP as, alongside our partners, we continued to advocate for the better protection of forest peoples’ rights. The 10-year anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provided a moment for reflection on achievements, and on the continuing and emerging threats facing forest-dependent and indigenous peoples. We are delighted to present an analysis of our ongoing work.