Launch of the Whakatane Mechanism and new publication

Friday 14th November 17.30 to 19.00, at the WIN Pavilion

A Mechanism for promoting rights-based conservation through practical implementation of IUCN Resolutions, including redressing historical injustices and securing communities’ rights to their lands and territories.

Three pilot Whakatane Assessments are in progress in Kenya, Thailand, and DRC, and another in preparation in Indonesia. These will be presented and discussed at this official launch of the Mechanism, chaired by Aroha Te Pareake Mead, Chair of CEESP.

The Whakatane Mechanism originated from a dialogue between IUCN and indigenous peoples held in January 2011 at CEESP’s “Sharing Power” conference in Whakatane, New Zealand. It emerged out of the 2008 WCC’s call to develop “a mechanism to address and redress the effects of historic and current injustices against indigenous peoples in the name of conservation of nature and natural resources” (Res 4.052), and “a mechanism to … advance key recommendations of the Durban Accord and Durban Action Plan …” (Res 4.048).

Join us for the launch of a publication by IWGIA, FPP and Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation on “World Heritage Sites and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights”, chaired by Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This book includes 20 case studies of World Heritage sites from around the world, with some relevant background articles. The case studies explore and document, from a human rights perspective, indigenous peoples’ experiences with World Heritage sites and with the processes of the World Heritage Convention.They identify recurring concerns and systemic shortcomings in the implementation of the Convention, as well as opportunities the Convention may provide for indigenous peoples and the defence and promotion of their human rights.

For more information please visit: whakatane-mechanism.org