Changes at Forest Peoples Programme: a message from Joji Cariño

I wish to take this opportunity to inform our readers about recent changes at the Forest Peoples Programme.

During the last six months FPP has been undergoing an organisational review prompted by the growth of FPP’s staff and programmes of work spread across many countries.  During this period of growth we have recognised the need to affirm our strategies and update our operational systems to become a more effective organisation.

Having joined the FPP Board in 2008 and becoming Director in 2013 I have been able to see much of this growth and advancement in FPP’s work, whilst maintaining our uniquely potent and grounded contributions to the struggles of indigenous and forest peoples.

Over the next 12 months we will be implementing the recommendations from the organisational review to enable each of us in FPP to play to our strengths, and use our expertise to greatest advantage. This new arrangement has given me the opportunity to change from my role as Director and move on to being a Senior Policy Advisor for FPP, in our Senior Strategy Group. In this capacity I am looking forward to using my experience and leadership to help steer FPP’s work in various policy arenas and to devoting more time using my expertise on Indigenous Peoples rights, governance and knowledge systems to shape and develop the projects and programmes with which I work.

The role of the Director will be taken on by a small coordination and management team including Louise Henson as the Managing Director, Tom Lomax (Strategy), Fiona Cottrell (Finance) and Helen Tugendhat (Operations).

During my three years as Director I have felt honoured to help FPP through this growth, and to contribute to strengthening solidarity between FPP and its partner communities, organisations and movements. FPP’s mission of supporting indigenous and  forest peoples’ self-determination; respecting their diverse cultures rooted in their lands and territories; and, amplifying their voices and the struggle for their rights; is central to all our survival and nourishes our common cause.

Yours in solidarity,

Joji Cariño20  February 2016