Support to Podong Indigenous Peoples Initiative

The Podong Indigenous Initiative is a global effort that recognises and supports the vital contributions of Indigenous Peoples to biodiversity conservation and climate solutions, grounded in their Indigenous knowledge systems. It aims to ensure their full and effective leadership, along with equitable access to the resources needed to advance the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement.

Co-designed, co-developed, and co-led by IUCN, IUCN’s Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation (IPO) Members and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), the initiative places Indigenous leadership and knowledge at its core. Its ultimate goal is to maintain, enhance and restore the integrity, connectivity and resilience of globally significant biodiversity found within Indigenous territories. This is pursued through four mutually reinforcing pillars, each fully co-led by Indigenous leaders, which collectively aim to scale up inclusive, gender-responsive, and fully financed Indigenous-led in situ conservation action.

Main tasks and outputs:
AAE is currently supporting the development of several key components of the initiative:
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1. A Project Document (ProDoc), with a strong focus on the Results Framework, including a robust Theory of Change that reflects indigenous perspectives and priorities;
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2. A concise, high-impact promotional brief designed to engage a range of stakeholders, including potential donors, by clearly communicating the initiative’s objectives, value and unique positioning; and
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3. A presentation to introduce the initiative to donors and partners, highlighting its relevance, leadership structure and alignment with global biodiversity and climate goals.