Bridging Europe and Amazonia

An introduction to the political framework surrounding climate and sustainable development, the importance of global partnerships, and the presentation of an EU project that explored alternative solutions

The Future We Want

Climate Alliance

A Sustainable Future for All

Transforming Our World

A sustainable future for all will livelihoods depend directly on the indigenous delegates to act as project partners have formulated The “Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Around 30% of the carbon still only be possible if we reconcile use of natural resources, indige- ambassadors for sustainability recommendations to support Development” with its 17 Sustain- stored in the Amazon rainforests social justice, the ecological nous peoples are among those during three European tours. In “sustainable development for able Development Goals (SDGs) can be found in indigenous ter- boundaries of the earth and most affected by climate change their search for answers to the all“. We have based these rec- as well as the Paris Agreement ritories. These areas offer great economic development. The over- despite the fact that they barely question of how a good life can ommendations on findings and and the New Urban Agenda biodiversity and provide critical- use of natural resources globally contribute to it themselves. be guaranteed for all, the dele- suggestions made throughout (Habitat III) are internationally ly important ecosystem services is having a dramatic impact on gates travelled to seven countries the project as well as Climate binding documents that pave that reach far beyond their bor- the environment and leading to It is essential that we campaign across Europe and exchanged Alliance’s vast experience in its the way towards transformative ders. As guardians of traditional social problems. Only if the con- for climate justice and support with politicians, citizens and over 25 years of cooperation with policy. They rightfully recognise knowledge, indigenous peoples sumption of resources is reduced indigenous peoples to preserve representatives of locals organ- COICA, the coordination body of the regional and local levels have succeeded in preserving will we succeed in creating the their living space. Building on isations and municipalities. The the indigenous organisations of as being of critical importance these fragile ecosystems while conditions needed for effective their experience, they can, in turn, focus: for these various actors to the Amazon Basin (Coordinadora in moving towards sustainable also acting as their stewards. climate protection and sustain- help us to develop concepts that gain inspiration from other ways de las Organizaciones Indígenas development. Consistent imple- able development. We need promote a good life for all the of life through a direct exchange de la Cuenca Amazónica). The mentation of these agreements sustainable regional and local world’s peoples. Climate Alliance with indigenous representatives. resulting political demands are would mean nothing less than the solutions that enable a good life and 16 partner municipalities What can we learn from our broken down for the local, nation- end of the fossil fuel age and thus for all the world’s peoples – be it and organisations from across partners and how can we im- al and European levels; we look a profound transformation of our in the cities and towns of Europe Europe took just this approach in plement this in practical terms? forward to a dialogue on their societies. or the indigenous territories of the project “EYD2015: The Future What is the relationship between implementation. Amazonia. We Want – Local Authorities for our everyday lives, consumption, Sustainable Development”. our behavioural patterns and We would like to take this op- Indigenous peoples play a deci- the realities of life for indigenous portunity to thank the EU for its sive role in global climate pro- Picking up on the slogan of the communities in Amazonia? financial support. tection and possess an in-depth Rio+20 Summit on sustainable knowledge of their environment, development of “The Future We Drawing on the experiences the tropical rainforest. Similar to Want”, this EU-funded project gained during the delegation many other communities whose provided the framework for trips, Climate Alliance and its

2 3 Towards Political Coherence

4 5 Climate Alliance’s Approach

fair nature-based local resource-saving diverse

6 7 Together for Climate Justice Asháninka people, Peru – Munich, Germany

Representatives of the Asháninka people regularly visit the state capital of Munich for development ed- “Twenty-five years ago, we began ucation and awareness raising. They draw attention bringing cities and municipali- to the effects of climate change and the exploitation ties together to combat climate of raw materials. In return, the city of Munich sup- change. Today, I am proud to ports the Asháninka with PR measures and contrib- represent the only European local utes to countless smaller sustainability projects that government network with tangi- support reinforcement of their territorial and cultural ble reduction targets.” rights. spectives and local solutions. It is for this reason that Tine Heyse, President of Climate Alliance’s Executive Board; we have supported climate protection in European Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy and North-South, municipalities for decades while working closely with City of Ghent, Belgium our cooperation partners – the indigenous peoples of the Amazon region – to preserve and protect the Harakmbut people, rainforests. Peru – Hanseatic City For us and our member municipalities, global part- For more than 25 years, Climate Alliance member nerships are an invaluable opportunity to have a of Rostock, Germany municipalities have been acting in partnership with direct impact. We therefore foster the exchange be- indigenous rainforest peoples for the benefit of the tween representatives from European municipalities global climate. With some 1,700 members spread and indigenous peoples. A direct exchange offers Rostock maintains a partnership with the Harakmbut across 26 European countries, Climate Alliance is the insights into the global challenges that indigenous people of Peru to protect the natural resources in largest city network dedicated to climate action and peoples face to facilitate political support for the the Amarakaeri Communal Reserve. As a “Fair Trade the only one to set tangible targets: each member SDGs. At the same time, this interaction opens up Town”, the Hanseatic city campaigns for sustainable city, town and district has committed to reducing opportunities for mutual learning and prompts ac- urban development. greenhouse gas emissions by ten percent every five tion. COICA, as coordinator of numerous indigenous years. organisations of the Amazon Basin, is a key partner in this work. The direct partnerships of Climate Climate Alliance’s work is based on the premise that Alliance members also help anchor climate justice the challenges of climate change require global per- locally.

8 9 Partnerships on the Zoersel, Belgium – On the political level, Bohicon and Zoersel pledged to back National Level Bohicon, Benin each other in the process of creating and implementing a Sus- tainable Energy and Climate Ac- Climate Alliance members in Austria and Luxem- Since 2011, local politicians and young people from tion Plan (SECAP) as part of their bourg are also active in the field of climate justice: the municipality of Zoersel in Belgium and the city of commitment to the Covenant of Climate Alliance Austria has maintained a partner- Bohicon in Benin have enjoyed a fruitful intercultural Mayors for Climate and Energy. ship with the umbrella association of indigenous exchange in the context of their partnership. The Covenant is the world’s organisations in the Rio Negro region of Brazil since largest urban climate and energy 1990. Among its greatest successes is the state rec- Starting in 2015, a yearly exchange programme has initiative, which has already been ognition of 122,000 km2 of rainforest as indigenous brought adolescents from Belgium to their part- signed by more than 7,500 local territory. ner city in Benin to stay with local families. There, authorities in Europe and beyond. the young Belgians support a mobile playground, Bohicon plays an active role in In Luxembourg, the municipalities select projects playing and painting with roughly 200 children. The the Covenant of Mayors initiative to support in Latin America, Africa or Asia from kids from Benin rarely have the opportunity to play: in Sub-Saharan Africa. Zoersel is suggestions made by Action Solidarité Tiers Monde from the age of seven, they are considered little the first European signatory to (ASTM), which is part of the national coordination adults and expected to work and cook, leaving little commit to the Covenant jointly office of Climate Alliance Luxembourg. Building on time for games. As part of the intercultural exchange, with its partner city. these projects, ASTM develops the educational work young people from Zoersel and Bohicon even com- in the respective communities. posed a rap song together. As one example within the SECAP, Bohicon plans to form a team for With the support of Zoersel, Bohicon set up a new waste management and hygiene library equipped with 16 public computers. They also at the public market funded with launched a “biblio-mobile” consisting of a motorcy- Belgian federal subventions. cle with a transport box for books to be brought to Two mayors – one vision: better educational opportunities for women kindergartens and primary schools in remote areas. For more information (in Flemish), Inauguration of a women’s school for literacy in Bohicon please see: Social institutions in both cities are also supporting www.zoersel.be/stedenband each other. In this context, Elvire, a social assistant from Bohicon, completed a three-week internship This is how we envision partner- at Monnikenheide, an institute for mentally disa- ships: powerful global alliances bled people in Zoersel. Back in Benin, she launched planned and implemented on the reactivation programmes at “St. Camille Psychiatric local level! Institute”, such as weaving bed frames, a vegetable garden and a rabbit farm. Her practical advice for reintegration after a stay at St. Camille helps both the patients and their families.

10 11 The Future We Want: Local Authorities for Sustainable Development

A good life is simple – but what Besides a multitude of local acti- does a good life actually involve? vities in the partner countries, we Does a good life for all also mean focused on two aspects in par- a sustainable future? And what ticular: delegation trips to Europe can we learn from our indigenous involving our indigenous partners partners with these questions? from Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, and our Europe-wide campaign Climate Alliance is working with “A good life is simple”, which re- 16 member municipalities and mains available for free download partner organisations from ten in 13 languages. Further topics European countries on exactly and materials will be added over these questions. the course of 2018.

During the EuropeAid-financed overdeveloped.eu project “The Future We Want” organised as part of the Euro- pean Year of Development, we discussed a just and sustainable future for all with civil society, politicians and our indigenous One poster of the “A good life is simple” campaign partners from the Amazon rainforest.

12 13 Active Together

The following 17 municipalities, networks and organisations col- laborated on the “The Future We Want” project:

Climate Alliance loniki’s local authorities. It was South. In 1995, five municipali- habitants. The city administration in different activities to promote Nadace Partnerství, (project lead) established in 1995 to support ties from Luxembourg as well as is actively involved in the promo- sustainable development of the Czech Republic sustainable development in the ASTM and the NGO Mouvement tion of sustainable management region. Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area in Ecologique, established Climate and quality of life through an The Czech environmental part- With some 1,700 members spread the Greek region of Central Mac- Alliance Luxembourg, which acts integrated approach to develop- daruvar.hr nership foundation Nadace Part- across 26 European countries, edonia. ANATOLIKI S.A. is active as the National Coordination for ment and local policies. Cascais is nerství is a leading foundation Climate Alliance is the largest city in the fields of environment and Climate Alliance. Climate Alliance active in climate change adap- and NGO supporting sustainable network dedicated to climate ac- infrastructure, energy saving and Luxembourg combines environ- tation on the local, national and Municipality of development solutions. Nadace tion and the only one to set tan- renewable energy sources, mo- mental and educational work in EU levels, and implements climate Zoersel, Belgium Partnerství helps people to pro- gible targets: each member city, bility, employment, social econo- Luxembourg with political work adaption measures through a tect and improve their environ- town and district has committed my, local and regional authority and supports solidarity projects local adaptation framework. The municipality of Zoersel, ment. It distributes grants, runs itself to reducing greenhouse gas support, business support and the in the southern hemisphere for located in the north of Belgium, educational programmes and emissions by 10 percent every promotion of new technologies. holistic environmental and devel- cm-cascais.pt is 38.65 km2 in size and home to provides professional services. 5 years. Recognising the impact opment policy. around 22,000 people. Zoersel our lifestyles can have on the anatoliki.gr/en maintains project partnerships nadacepartnerstvi.cz world‘s most vulnerable people astm.lu City of Daruvar, with countries in Africa. Since and places, Climate Alliance pairs Croatia 2011, various activities have been local action with global responsi- organised as part of the town Climate Alliance bility. ASTM, Luxembourg City of Cascais, The city of Daruvar is located twinning with Bohicon in Benin. Austria Portugal in Bjelovar-Bilogora County in The municipality of Zoersel climatealliance.org ASTM is a Luxembourgian central Croatia. It covers an area includes implementation of the Climate Alliance is the largest non-governmental organisation The Câmara Municipal de Cas- of 64 km2 and has approximately SDGs in its multi-annual plans climate protection network in (NGO) active in international cais is the local governing body 11,650 inhabitants. Due to a series and, together with its partner city Austria. Communities, schools ANATOLIKI S.A., development cooperation. with delegations and responsibil- of historical circumstances, the of Bohicon, signed the Covenant and businesses establish partner- Greece Since 1969, it has supported the ities in municipal management. national composition of the Daru- of Mayors in 2016. ships with indigenous organisa- political, economic and social The city of Cascais is located on var area is today very diverse tions in the Amazon region. The ANATOLIKI S.A. is the develop- emancipation of the marginal- the southwest coast of Portugal and the city is home to Croatia’s zoersel.be main focus lies on information ment agency of Eastern Thessa- ised population in the Global and counts around 206,000 in- Czech minority. Daruvar engages and awareness raising projects

14 15 as well as activities to promote Romania. During the last City of Wels, Austria 1989. In Germany, the founda- State Capital of Nations City. Nineteen United Na- knowledge on climate issues and 25 years of activity, the organ- tion focuses on environmental Munich, Germany tions organisations, programmes sustainable development. It aims isation has cooperated with Wels is located at the heart of education, providing informa- and offices operate in a wide to generate public and stakehold- many local authorities on joint the state of Upper Austria. It is tion about tropical forests and variety of areas, though all are er support regarding climate pro- projects. It is very active in the an attractive place of business fostering information exchange The city of Munich is the capi- connected through the contri- tection, equality and mitigation. fields of water management and and work with a total population between nature conservation tal of the state of Bavaria and bution they make to sustainable environmental education and of around 63,000 inhabitants. By organisations, industry, science counts 1.5 million inhabitants. It development. klimabuendnis.at/english has partnered with Romania on supporting the project, Wels is and politics. Various campaigns in has been a member of Climate several international campaigns particularly committed to climate Germany help to raise awareness Alliance since 1993. The climate bonn.de concerning climate protection, protection and sustainable devel- for tropical rainforests. partnership between Munich and IMRO-DDKK Non- overconsumption and promotion opment in addition to its meas- the Asháninka established in 1997 profit Ltd., Hungary of the SDGs. ures in the field of renewable regenwald-schuetzen.org helps the indigenous Asháninka energies. people of Peru to protect their IMRO was established in 2009 en.focuseco.ro territories and the rainforest. The with the aim of providing effec- wels.gv.at Reflex Environmental citizens of Munich, in turn, are tive support to local and regional Association / Climate able to learn a great deal from environmentally-friendly policies kate, Germany the Asháninka delegates during Alliance Hungary and initiatives, as well as to City of Tîrgu Mureș, yearly delegation trips. foster sustainable, environmental kate ecology & development lo- Romania thinking and behaviour by engag- cated in Stuttgart is a non-profit Reflex Environmental Association muenchen.de/int/en ing the main local and regional consulting and training organisa- Located in the north-central part is a national Hungarian NGO actors in environmental policy tion for sustainable development, of Romania, the city of Tîrgu founded in 1987. Its work main- development. corporate social responsibility, Mureș with 130,000 inhabitants is ly involves raising awareness, Federal City of Bonn, global justice and development the capital of Mureș County. networking and implementing Germany IMRO is active in the Hungarian cooperation. Since 1999, kate has Tîrgu Mureș has set itself the goal national and international en- region of Zala and supports ten worked on the national and inter- of reducing energy consumption, vironmental projects on climate As the former capital of the municipalities in the Transdanubia national levels in development aid fostering renewable energies issues in particular. Reflex also Federal Republic of Germany, region. projects in the fields of education and promoting the use of local coordinates the work of Hungar- the City of Bonn has an estab- for sustainable development, cli- resources and products. ian Climate Alliance, which was lished global network of relations imro.hu/en mate justice and corporate social founded by local authorities and and contacts in the fields of responsibility in tourism. It more- tirgumures.ro environmental NGOs back in environment, development, and over advises on the implementa- 2009. science. Bonn’s population of over Focus Eco Center, tion of environmental and social 320,000 citizens is multicultural, Romania standards. OroVerde, Germany reflexegyesulet.hu educated and cosmopolitan. It is the ‘Federal City’ – Germany’s Focus Eco Center is an NGO kate-stuttgart.org/en OroVerde is a non-profit founda- second political centre and home working in the fields of sustaina- tion that has been initiating and to countless federal ministries. ble development, climate protec- actively supporting and pro- It also hosts many international tion and the environment in the moting projects for conservation NGOs that are active worldwide Central Transylvanian region of of the tropical rainforests since as well as the German United

16 17 ... With Our Federação das with indigenous organisations. It Organizações Indí- is headquartered in São Paulo. Indigenous genas do Rio Negro socioambiental.org/en Partners of (FOIRN), Brazil the Amazon FOIRN is the umbrella association Kichwa Community of the indigenous organisations of of Sarayaku, Ecuador Region: the Rio Negro river basin, which represents about 80 local associ- ations of indigenous communities, The Kichwa-speaking community groups and women’s organisa- of Sarayaku people dwells beside tions in the Brazilian Rio Negro the Bobonaza River in the pro- region. It is a private non-profit vince of Pastaza in the Ecuadori- organisation, without any political an Amazon region. The estimated or religious ties. The association’s 1,500 members of this community headquarters are located in São have lived in this area covering Asháninka, Peru Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas 135,000 hectares for generations. state, Brazil. The name Sarayaku has existed The Asháninka people constitute for hundreds of years and means the largest indigenous group in foirn.org.br ‘river of corn’. Some 95 percent the Peruvian rainforest with some of Sarayaku territory is primary 80,000 people. Where possi- forest. Through conservation and ble, the village communities are Socio-Environmental the sustainable use of the natural self-sufficient. Land is not owned Institute (Instituto resources available in their area, by one single person but rather Socioambiental, ISA), the community pursues its vision by the village as a whole and this and mission of reinforcing the is made available to the com- Brazil concept of Sumak Kawsay (“buen munity’s families for permanent vivir”, a “good life”) and the con- use. Official land titles granted to The Socio-Environmental Institute, tinued existence of Kawsak Sacha the community also become the or ISA for short, was established (the “living forest”). The communi- property of the community. Due in 1994 as a non-profit organi- ty has opposed oil exploitation in to the increasing pressure on their sation for the protection of the its territory since the late 1980s. environment and the threat to rights of indigenous peoples and Climate Alliance delegation tour of Luxembourgian municipal the destruction of their livelihood, the environment in Brazil. It con- sarayaku.org representatives in Sarayaku, Ecuador (March 2017) the Asháninka are in a constant ducts its own scientific studies but battle for their land. They receive also implements programmes to international support through promote socioeconomic develop- their long-term partnership with ment in several regions of Brazil the state capital of Munich. either alone or in cooperation

18 19 Legal Notice

Climate Alliance European Secretariat

Galvanistr. 28, 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany T. +49 69 717139-0 E. [email protected] climatealliance.org

Climate Alliance editorial team: Thomas Brose, Silke Lunnebach, Sara Schmitt Pacífico, Annika Sutter and Sarah Mekjian

External editorial team: Janina Wich, Splendid Design Co. and Denise Dewey (English version)

Authors: Thomas Brose, Silke Lunnebach, Sara Schmitt Pacífico, Annika Sutter and Madlie Le Bihan, Climate Alliance, Clara Weichelt, Dimitra Kyriakopoulou, Anatoliki S.A., Zoltan Hajdu, Focus Eco Center, Erik Fuhlbrugge, Municipality of Zoersel, Patrícia Kandler, Climate Alliance Austria, Bernadette-Julia Felsch, State Capital of Munich, Community of Sarayaku, Andreas Wolter, City of Cologne and with the support and information of all project partners

Design and graphics: Splendid Design Co. www.we-are-splendid.com

Printed on 100% recycling paper (Blue Angel)

Pictures:

Page 1: Kätty Kaes Page 9: Eli Melcher for the City of Munich Page 9: FENAMAD Page 11: Municipality of Zoersel Seite 13: „A good life is simple“ campaign / Climate Alliance Seite 19: Climate Alliance

This publication has been produced in the framework of the project “EYD 2015: The Future We Want – Local Authorities for Sustainable Development” with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Climate Alliance and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

Climate Alliance of European cities with indigenous rainforest peoples I Alianza del Clima District court of Frankfurt am Main | Registry No: VR10149 | VAT ID: DE244331692 I Presidents: Holger Matthäus and Tine Heyse

20 The Future We Want

climatealliance.org Climate Alliance Championing Climate Justice

A look at challenges facing European cities and indigenous peoples of Amazonia on the basis of exchanges between municipal representatives and indigenous ambassadors for sustainability

The Future We Want

Climate Alliance

Sustainable Partnership

Experiencing other realities first hand and interact- “This experience has prompted me, ing with local communities supports intercultural in my role as Environment Manag- exchange and understanding while strengthening er of the City of Luxembourg, to connections. Climate Alliance thus organises oppor- push even harder to make our so- tunities for direct exchange between representatives ciety aware of its global responsi- of European municipalities and indigenous peoples, bility while recognising that saving regularly bringing local politicians and civil society resources also helps improve qual- representatives to South America as well as indige- ity of life.” nous representatives to Europe. These tours provide opportunities for mutual learning, vividly underlining Pierre Schmitt, Environment Manager of the City of Luxembourg the challenges faced by both sides and motivating needed action.

The EU-funded project “The Future We Want - Local Authorities for Sustainable Developemt” provided the framework for indigenous delegates to act as ambassadors for sustainability during three European tours. In their search for answers to the question of how a good life can be guaranteed for all, the delegates travelled to seven countries across Europe and exchanged with politicians, citizens and representatives of locals organisations and municipalities. Rio Negro community hosting Climate Alliance Austria, Brasil

2 3 Indigenous Ambassadors Eriberto Gualinga

The indigenous film-maker Eriberto Gualinga is the for Sustainability spokesperson for the Kichwa community of Saray- aku from the Ecuadorian Amazon region, which has successfully prevented oil exploitation in its territory for over 30 years. During several trips to Europe, he presented their proposal of “Kawsak Sacha” (“living Teresita Antazu López forest”) to protect the forests and indigenous peoples of Amazonia. Teresita Antazu López belongs to the Yanesha indigenous people of Peru. She was the first woman to be elected to the managing board of the national indigenous umbrella association AIDESEP. Teresi- ta campaigns tirelessly for the rights of indigenous women. In 2015, she was elected vice president of the indigenous organisation UNAY (Unión de Na- Carla de Jesus Dias cionalidades Ashaninkas y Yaneshas) in the central Peruvian Amazon rainforest. She has represented the Carla de Jesus Dias is a biologist and anthropologist. interests of the indigenous people of the Peruvian She has worked at the Socio-Environmental Institute Amazon region at countless international conferenc- (ISA), which is active throughout Brazil, since 2005. es, including the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Carla has been involved in the cooperation between Issues in New York (2004 and 2005) and the interna- the umbrella association of the indigenous organisational climate conferences COP20 in Lima (2014) and tions in the Rio Negro region (FOIRN) and indigenous COP21 in Paris (2015). communities from the lower and central Rio Negro region for four years now. She is currently working on the strategic planning and implementation of Jhenny Ivonne Muñoz a number of different projects in cooperation with Hilares indigenous organisations.

Jhenny Ivonne Muñoz Hilares of the Asháninka Maximiliano Correa people is from Atahualpa beside the Rio Negro in the central Amazon region of Peru. In addition to Menezes her work as the first coordinator of the Office for sustainable development of indigenous villages in Maximiliano Correa Menezes from the Tukano in- the Rio Negro district, a local councillor and civil digenous people, who dwell in the north-west of the society advocate on the local level, she has travelled Brazilian Amazon basin, is a teacher and has been to conferences and events in Europe as part of the active in the indigenous movement for 30 years now. partnership with Munich to represent the indigenous He is currently the coordinator of the umbrella asso- Asháninka community since 2005. Jhenny Muñoz ciation of indigenous organisations from the Brazilian is currently the president of the non-governmen- Amazon region (COIAB). Maximiliano was previously tal organisation IMPERITA, which campaigns for one of the five directors on the board of the umbrella improvement of the living conditions of vulnerable association of indigenous organisations in the Rio populations. Negro region (FOIRN).

4 5 Travel Itineraries

Eriberto Gualinga

Teresita Antazu López & Jhenny Ivonne Muñoz Hilares

Carla de Jesus Dias & Maximiliano Correa Menezes

6 7 Standing Up for the Living Forest

Panel discussion at the International Annual Conference of Climate Alliance in Dresden, Germany

Meeting with OroVerde at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Bonn, Germany

The “Living Forest” in Luxembourg

Presentation of the film “The song of the flower” in a cinema in Vielsalm, Belgium

Eriberto Gualinga spent 2.5 weeks in Europe between 19 April and 7 May 2015. During his trip, he visited municipalities and partner organisations in Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, and focused on the subject of forests and the sustainable use of resources.

Climate Day in Luxembourg

8 9 Girl Power from Amazonia

Visit of the Swabian-Franconian Forest Nature Park (Murrhardt, DE)

Visit and discussion in the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Hungary

Meeting with children in the municipality of Galesti, Romania

Jhenny Munoz and Teresita Antazu visited Europe from 27 September to 1 November 2015. Beside the usual educational programme in Munich, the two women also travelled to Hungary, Romania and Croatia as ambassadors for indigenous rights and School visit in the city of Daruvar, Croatia rainforest protection.

Meeting with Stephanie Jacobs, Health and Environment Manager in Munich, Germany

Cultural program in Kajárpéc, Hungary

10 11 Energy from the Rio Negro

Lobby event at the Aristoteles University in Thessaloniki, Greece

Exchange with local politicians about Chalkidiki’s gold mine, Greece

Exchange on possible applications for renewable energies in Salzburg, Austria

Symbolic tree planting in the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, Portugal

Reception in the Spiegelsaal in Klagenfurt, Austria

Maximiliano de Menezes and Carla de Jesus Dias travelled to Portugal, Austria, the Czech Republic and Greece. From 4 to 19 October 2016, the trip delegates considered the aspects of land grabbing, mobility and renewable energies.

Exchange about reforestation in Cascais, Portugal

12 13 Common Challenges Deforestation

Palm Oil – A Trigger for Deforestation and Land Conflicts in Peru

Based on information provided by FECONAU and research of Climate Alliance

Our current social and economic different regions of the world. The system does not have any an- challenges faced by indigenous The search for alternatives to fossil fuels (e.g. renew- “The people of Santa Clara de swers to climate change. Indeed, peoples and developments in Eu- able resources) has led palm oil to grow in signifi- Uchunya were granted an area it is in fact part of the problem, rope are presented below, where- cance in recent years. The EU is one of the largest of around 20,000 hectares, but as it promotes the production by a great many parallels can be importers of palm oil in the world, responsible for only guaranteed the land titles to and accumulation of goods in discerned. importing almost seven million tonnes alone in 2015.1 200 hectares. The state retained some regions of the world at the Almost half of this is used as energy – for biofuel, the disposal rights to the remain- expense of the natural resourc- Both acknowledging the ex- electricity and heat generation, for example. The re- ing land and allocates conces- es, health and living spaces of istence of common challenges mainder is used by the food and chemical industries.2 sions for palm oil plantations, for others. and exchanging on forms of The area on which palm oil is cultivated has tripled example. The indigenous popu- resistance, possible solutions and globally since 1990 to more than 18 million hectares.3 lation not only finds its rights but Economic growth and the hun- (technical) innovations inspired This has led to a significant decline in forested areas also its very existence threatened ger for resources are not only and motivated the participants in in the cultivation regions. What’s more, there has by such measures. Not least be- having an impact in European their search for alternatives. been a huge loss of biodiversity and large quantities cause the shifting cultivation that countries though. The pressure on of greenhouse gases have been released into the these sensitive soils require is no the forests and, with this, on the Global solidarity and mutual sup- atmosphere. longer possible, fishing is consid- living environment of indigenous port empower people to combat erably hampered due to the deni- peoples is also growing in the the effects of (neo-)extractivism The largest cultivation regions are in Indonesia and al of access, and the ground and Amazon region. and climate change, and to de- Malaysia where around 85% of all palm oil is grown water are polluted by pesticides.” velop alternative concepts. and produced.4 However, the consequences of The delegation trips revealed monocultures are also already proving devastating Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne parallels in the local effects of in Latin America. The areas where palm oil is culti- the global economic system in vated have grown dramatically in Peru, for it is being touted as an alternative to the cultivation of coca – among others, by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Demand has been growing even faster since the blending quotas for diesel and petrol were introduced. Between 2000 and 2015, the cultivation area in Peru quadrupled in size from 15,000 hectares to 60,000 hectares.5 Contrary to the agreements reached, a large part of this expansion took place in areas of primary forest and indigenous territories. This leads to conflicts regarding the For more impressions of the delegation trip from forests crucial to the livelihoods of many indigenous the mayor of Cologne, Andreas Wolter, communities. please see page 40.

14 15 The cultivation area for palm oil has also grown con- siderably in the Ucayali region situated in the centre of Peru, on the border with Brazil. More than 700 inhabitants of the Shipibo-Conibo and Kakataibo peoples live in the Santa Clara de Uchunya community in the Amazon region. They resisted the destructive activities taking place within their territory from the outset. The Melka Group, a network of 25 companies in Peru, is believed to be largely responsible for the destruction.

In 2015, the indigenous peoples joined forces with The people of Ucayali have called on the regional the local indigenous organisation FECONAU to file government to take responsibility for resolving the a complaint against Plantaciones de Pucallpa S.A.C. conflicts. Specifically, the indigenous people are (a company of the Melka Group) with the Roundta- urging them to: ble on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The allegation: clearing of more than 5,000 hectares of (predomi- • prevent the intrusion of settlers and people who nantly primary) forest located within their territories. plant coca in the communities’ territories Both the Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture and the RSPO recognised the reproaches against the palm • guarantee the allocation of land rights to oil company and ordered it to suspend its illegal ag- territories affected by the destructive conse- ricultural activities. However, a few days before the quences of the expansion of monocultures and RSPO passed its request on Plantaciones de Pucall- palm oil plantations pa S.A.C., the company withdrew its membership of the RSPO, sold its property and now claims that it is • establish a health centre in the indigenous and no longer active in the palm oil business. The extent rural communities to which legal action can be taken against the company is therefore unclear. • promote the production and marketing of local products While legal recognition of these illegal activities is certainly an achievement, palm oil continues to be • end the systematic defamation and slander of cultivated – and so the fight to combat it continues, indigenous leaders as well as murder threats too. and harassment

Page 17: Forest clearing in Peru and palm oil plantations

16 17 Timber Industry – A Driver for the Loss of Forest in Romania

Based on a text provided by Focus Eco Center

Romania is renowned for its untouched natural gal and destructive activities in Romania, Schweig- environment. Large areas of the country are covered hofer’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification by forests, which are still home to wild animals such was suspended in 2017. as bears, wolves and lynx. This image has changed dramatically in recent years, as deforestation – a Wood exploitation in Romania is the subject of many major problem in Romania – is causing significant protests by civil society organisations fighting illegal environmental damage. Between 2013 and 2014, logging and overexploitation. After several years of three hectares of forest disappeared every hour, pressure, the Romanian Ministry of the Environment, according to a report by Greenpeace.6 The rate of Water and Forests (MMAP) set up a instrument deforestation is increasing every year due to legally called “Forest Radar”9, which aims to monitor tim- and, to a large extent, illegally exploited timber.7 The ber transports from the moment the trees are felled intensive exploitation of these areas, which include in the forest until the timber crosses the country’s virgin forests, nature reserves and national parks, borders or is delivered to a timber factory. Moreover, causes a multitude of problems in the Carpathian by setting up a hotline, it offers citizens the oppor- Mountains. It is radically changing the forest ecosys- tunity to identify vehicles transporting wood in order tem and destroying the natural habitats of animals, to check the timber’s destination and whether it has especially wolves and bears. This in turn reduces the been authorised. Since 2014, all timber trucks have forests’ water retention capacity, leading to flooding been required to use this IT system. and erosion. However, obtaining reliable information is still chal- In the past years, a major Austrian timber company, lenging. In 2016, investigators from EIA tracked Holzindustrie Schweighofer, has played a key role in logging trucks delivering timber to Schweighofer’s wood exploitation and processing in Romania. Sev- sawmills and discovered that in many cases, GPS eral NGOs have accused the company of purchasing coordinates of officially registered loading sites ap- and processing illegal timber in Romania. An inves- peared to be fake.10 The fight against illegal logging Forest clearing in Romania tigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency and overexploitation of Romania’s forests continues. (EIA) revealed that Schweighofer was willing to buy illegal timber. What’s more, they filmed unmarked timber being dumped at the company’s depots in apparent violation of Romanian law.8 Due to its ille-

18 19 Landgrabbing Due to Mining

Gold Rush in Amazonia – Indigenous Success in Rio Negro

Based on a text provided by Climate Alliance Austria and FOIRN

The largest blackwater river basin in search of natural resources. Despite this, there were still in the world, the Rio Negro region, Beside the devastating environ- repeated incursions by smaller is located in the north-west Am- mental damage (among others, groups of gold diggers along the azon region of Brazil. Its drainage due to the use of mercury) the lower and middle sections of the area encompasses over 700 trib- intruders also brought suffering Rio Negro in 2007. Thanks to their utaries, extends across national to the indigenous communities effective networking with civil borders and is home to 23 indig- dwelling there. society organisations, the local enous peoples. More than 56% of media and the church, FOIRN the land is already recognised as Instead of allowing themselves was able to swiftly put a halt to indigenous territory. to be divided by external forces, these. The responsible authorities indigenous communities resolved dispersed the gold digger camps Despite this, the area was and re- to work together to defend their and seized their equipment, ma- mains under threat from exploita- rights. Thus, the umbrella associ- chines and boats. tion and the overuse of natural ation of indigenous organisations resources. Included in national in the Rio Negro region (Feder- The situation remains challenging development and infrastructure ação das Organizações Indígenas however: the Brazilian constitu- Climate Alliance Austria, guests in the Rio Negro, Brazil programmes, the indigenous area do Rio Negro, FOIRN) was formed tion only guarantees the indige- has been under pressure since the in April 1987. FOIRN has cam- nous peoples’ use of the surface 1970s. paigned for indigenous rights and land within the protected areas. their cultural heritage ever since Everything underground can be and the demarcation of their Using the official argument of to great success. Mining compa- used by the state for projects territories, rallying under the call economic and military develop- nies and gold diggers have been deemed of “national interest”. A for “Demarcação Já!” [“Demarca- ment of the area, the military forced to withdraw from the area total of 386 mining companies tion now!”]. More than 25 Brazilian regime built the BR-174 national and, in 1997, one of the largest have applied to the responsible artists have taken the growing road between Manaus and Boa state-recognised indigenous department to conduct research pressure caused by the unstable Vista in the northern Amazon protected areas in Amazonia be- and mining activities in indig- political situation in Brazil as an state of Roraima, as well as the gan to form, which today covers enous territories along the Rio opportunity to raise awareness BR-210 “Perimetral Norte” along 122,000 km2. Demarcation of the Negro. Although no permits have for the significance of indigenous the border with Venezuela. Devel- indigenous territories is the result yet been issued, this remains a peoples and their territories: “Pelo opment of the infrastructure was of the successful organisation and constant threat. direito à terra, pelo direito à vida! accompanied by the intrusion ensures the political participation #DemarcaçãoJá” [“For the right of gold diggers and companies of the indigenous people living In 2017, indigenous peoples con- to land, for the right to life! #De- there. tinue to campaign for their rights marcationNow).

20 21 Gold Rush in Greece – Resistance to the Chalkidiki Mine

Based on a text provided by ANATOLIKI S.A.

Reminiscent of gold mining operations in the Am- The land now operated by Hellas Gold lies in a azon basin, the Chalkidiki gold mine in northern mountainous region and spans some 26,400 hec- Greece has sparked intense controversy. In both cas- tares. Over 90% of the area is covered by forest, es, local populations have found themselves fighting which is being devastated by mining activities: some multinational companies with little regard for the 258 hectares have already been cleared and further surrounding environment and its people. expansion of the mine will put the remaining forest in peril.

“Meeting with representatives At the Chalkidiki site, Hellas Gold plans to excavate from indigenous organisations of 146 million tonnes of rock over a period of 30 years. the Amazon basin and exchang- Only a small percentage of this excavated rock can ing opinions resulted in conclu- be used: in the case of Chalkidiki, one tonne of rock sions of high political signifi- will yield less than one gram of gold. In total, just 2% cance: some Greek municipalities of the excavated material can be used for the miner- and regions face problems similar als it contains, such as copper and silver. The re- to those of indigenous communi- maining 980 kilograms per tonne of excavated rock ties, with human exploitation of will become toxic waste known as tailings – waste the environment leading to disas- rock combined with water and the chemicals used trous degradation. The exchange by Hellas Gold to extract valuable minerals. Hellas of experience provided the oppor- Gold plans to store these tailings in two large dams. tunity to discuss ways and means However, according to the environmental impact as- to avoid such activities and their sessment conducted in 2010, it is uncertain how the consequences.” fragmented soil under the dams’ foundations will respond to possible earthquakes. Further unanswered Kyriakos Panayiotopoulos, Chairman of Aristotle Municipal questions arising from the assessment include how Civil society protest against the Chalkidiki mine, Greece Council; Professor Emeritus, School of Agriculture, Aristotle the massive quantities of untreated residues can University of Thessaloniki. safely be transferred to the dams in the first place or how toxic substances used to separate minerals will be treated after their use.11 The Chalkidiki mine is located on public land, leased for a pittance by Aristotle municipality over a pe- The waste produced during mining operations will As is often seen with mining Despite Hellas Gold’s announce- riod of 50 years to Hellas Gold S.A., a subsidiary of not be limited to tailings though. More than two projects in the Amazon region, ment that it would restore the the Canadian multinational El Dorado Corporation. tonnes of dust containing asbestos and dangerous Chalkidiki has divided the local natural environment, hundreds With foreign investments in land and resources for heavy metal sulphides will be generated for every community. The prospect of jobs of people in surrounding villages the realisation of mega-projects on the rise, projects hour of mining activities. The highly toxic dust will being created, made even more turned out to protest with ban- like Chalkidiki are becoming increasingly common in have a detrimental effect on biodiversity, water attractive by the Greek crisis, ners and black flags. More than Greece. The debt crisis and subsequent EU austerity resources, the landscape, local people and mine convinced many that the mine 400 people have been prose- policy has resulted in a growing trend towards priva- workers. In addition to environmental and health may benefit the community. How- cuted by the police as a result tisation, with an array of public property and public concerns, the mining activities will have manifold ever, resistance is growing and of their struggle to defend their companies being sold to international entities. socioeconomic impacts, too.12 clearly visible. environment.

22 23 Energy Generation

With their local climate protection formation and controversial activities, Climate Alliance mem- debates. Many Climate Alliance ber municipalities contribute to members have been addressing a common transition, laying the these challenges for years now, foundations for the transforma- bringing about a sustainable en- tion of society. Climate Alliance ergy revolution step by step. members commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by It is, however, important not to ten per cent every five years. lose sight of sustainability aspects when it comes to renewable en- To achieve their goals, many ergy sources! Large dam projects municipalities and their citizens destroy the environment and initiate projects for local ener- displace the people living there. Renewable energy sources gy generation. This sustainable Renewable energy sources must can be used to sustainably solution combines energy saving be subject to sustainability criteria cover the current and future and efficiency with the declared and indigenous rights according- global energy demands. They common goal of using 100% re- ly. Rather than major construction are virtually inexhaustible newable energy in the future. projects, decentralised and local and at the same time prevent solutions should be encouraged. large quantities of greenhouse The development of a decen- gases from being released into tralised energy supply has its the atmosphere. challenges: not only must technical and economic problems Local energy infrastructures be resolved; resistance from the allow municipalities to use population must be overcome, energy sources that are freely too. This requires social trans- available such as the sun, water, wind and geothermal heat for themselves. The more systems are built, the more municipalities become autonomous and independent of fossil fuels or imported energy. At the same time, these small, decentralised projects help to create jobs locally.

Solar panel in the Kichwa community of Sarayaku, Ecuador

24 25 Fossil Free in the Rainforest – Sarayaku’s Example

Based on information provided by the community of Sarayaku

The Kichwa community of Saray- and contacts due to the high air consent” (FPIC) . After more than aku is located in the eastern humidity (up to 90%!), one of ten years, Sarayaku finally won province of Pastaza in the Ecua- the biggest challenges for the the legal battle in 2012. The court dorian Amazon rainforest. Around Sarayaku community is the natio- ruled that the state of Ecuador 1,500 people live on approx. nal government, which includes violated the rights of the Kichwa 135,000 hectares in seven settle- oil exploitation in its national de- community and reaffirmed the ments along the Bobonaza River. velopment concept for the entire Sarayaku’s right to self-deter- The Sarayaku people have lived Amazon region. mined development. in this area, which can only be reached by air or water, for gen- The people of Sarayaku have The Ecuadorian constitution erations now. unanimously and resolutely includes the principle of “Sumak resisted oil exploitation in their Kawsay” (“a good life”) as a politi- Because the Sarayaku community territory since the 1980s when the cal aim and recognises nature as lies at the very heart of the rain- first crude oil test drillings were a legal entity and the right of in- forest, there is no access to the conducted. One of their biggest digenous peoples – also through public power supply. Ten years successes was the battle against ratification of ILO Convention No. ago, the community therefore the Argentine oil company 169. Incursions into indigenous began producing its own elec- Compañia General de Combus- territories still occur nonetheless. tricity using solar power. Today, tibles (CGC). In 2002 and 2003, The Ecuadorian state continues a photovoltaic plant of around CGC conducted seismic surveys to support resource depletion and 250 m2 supplies power to the in the area, leaving 1.5 tonnes of grants oil licences without taking administrative office and commu- highly explosive, harmful material the indigenous rights recognized nal facilities at the centre of the behind in the ground. However, in its own constitution seriously. village. Some families use de- due to continued resistance from Felix Santi, President of the Sarayaku community, presents its project for renewable energies centralised solar modules in their the local population, the multina- homes. Solar energy power is part tional company could successfully of their vision for an autonomous be driven out and oil exploitation and sustainable way of life, which halted. The Sarayaku community is reflected in their concepts of subsequently filed a complaint the “living forest” (Spanish: “Selva with the Inter-American Court Viviente”) and a “good life” (Kich- of Human Rights against the wa: “Sumak Kawsay”; Spanish: Ecuadorian state, which had “Buen Vivir”). granted the ancestral land of the Sarayaku in concession to For more information on the indig- Beside technical issues such CGC without safeguarding their enous concept of the “living forest” as corrosion of the power lines right to “free, prior and informed and a “good life”, please see page 30.

26 27 A Sustainable Energy Future for Europe – Municipalities as Role Models

Similar to many other Climate Alliance members, the municipality of Tulln and the city of The Hague are innovative role models for other cities, municipalities and regions in Europe. They are driving local transformation and address global challenges.

The largest municipal photovoltaic installation in Sustainability in The Hague Austria The city of The Hague in the Netherlands has set it-

The municipality of Tulln has built the largest mu- self the goal of being CO2-neutral by 2040. By 2020, nicipal photovoltaic installation in Austria to date it aims to have reduced its CO2 emissions by 30%, to as part of its mission to become energy autono- use 20% more sustainable energy, and to save 20% mous. The municipality generates around 36% of of energy (compared to 1990). the energy it needs to meet its energy requirements – this is already enough to power the street lights. To achieve these goals, the city is working with dif- In addition, nine public charging stations for elec- ferent local partners and impresses with the scale of tric vehicles are now in operation. Climate Alliance citizen participation: projects are not merely support- awarded the municipality a Climate Star for its out- ed from the time of implementation but rather from standing commitment. the planning stage. Climate Alliance conferred The Hague a Climate Star for its endeavours.

A number of different projects have been implemented in recent years. Neighbourhood gardens have been set up, photovoltaic systems installed as part of The photovoltaic system on the roof of the indoor swimming pool in Tulln, Austria 13 neighbourhood initiatives and a solar-powered go- can supply more than 30 households with energy. kart, the “Solar Skelter”, will soon be made available as a means of community transport.14 As part of the “Love your House” programme, funding is also being made available to motivate private home owners to make sustainable improvements to their homes. There are numerous pop-up stores sharing positive examples and offering guidance on how people can future-proof their homes.

28 29 Another View of Things – Alternative Indigenous Concepts

The world is looking for solutions simply forgotten. One aim of the The following statements aim to to address global challenges such delegation trips was to open our offer insights into the alternative as climate change and the over- minds to the approaches of our suggestions made by the indige- use of natural resources. These indigenous partners and to learn nous peoples of Amazonia. are mostly developed from a from them. Western-dominated and suppos- edly objective, scientific perspec- Can we incorporate elements of tive. Alternative solutions and these concepts into our everyday concepts from the Global South reality? are often not taken seriously or

Kawsak Sacha – The “Living Forest

Based on information provided by the community of Sarayaku

“For us, Kawsak Sacha, the “living The Western world often treats nature as nothing forest”, is a place where we gain more than a source of raw materials. The rainforest our physical and spiritual power, is seen as a giant carbon sink, for instance, which strength and our health. When we absorbs 5–20 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the come into contact with this world atmosphere per hectare every year. There is far more of souls, we enter a world of wis- to the forest ecosystem as a “living forest” though! dom and the sublime cosmovision of systematic learning.” The indigenous peoples of Amazonia nurture a way of life that is shaped by the coexistence with nature. Indigenous community of Sarayaku, Ecuador This is reflected in the way that they use natural resources as well as their relationship with the environment, which has little to do with a romanticised understanding of nature.

One concept of this way of life is the “living forest”, which is known as Kawsak Sacha in Kichwa. It has its origins in the centuries-old knowledge of the Kichwa indigenous people of Sarayaku in Ecuador. Based on a holistic approach, the forest is considered in its entirety as a living organism. It is made up of living selves and their communicative relations. These

30 31 selves – from the smallest plants to the supreme At the climate change conference in Paris in 2015 REDD Indígena Amazónico (RIA) – An Indigenous Alternative beings who protect the forest – are considered per- (COP21), members of the Sarayaku community sons (runa). Living in communities (llakta), they lead presented the concept of the “living forest” and Based on information provided by COICA and AIDESEP a similar life to humans. Kawsak Sacha thus does not drew attention to the importance of the rights of only perceive the rainforest as a source of raw ma- nature with their “living canoe”. The canoe is the terials, but rather emphasises its significance to the work of men and women from the Sarayaku com- culture and identity of the Kichwa. For the Sarayaku munity (minga) and was made using traditional community, the “living forest” represents the basis of skills. Carved from a pinchi tree felled by the wind, all emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual it represents the hummingbird fish (kindi challwa) aspects of life. that forms part of the “living forest”.

With the canoe of life that made its way from the “Feel with the heart and soul, lis- Amazon River to the River Seine in Paris, the mes- ten to nature, interpret what you sage of the indigenous Kichwa people was carried see and feel. Only in this way can across borders and out into the entire world. “Adaptation by the In this context, the REDD+ instru- REDD+ refers to “reducing emis- you understand what we mean indigenous peoples ment, which draws the focus to sions from deforestation and with a ‘life in harmony’, Sumak is unavoidable and emissions caused by deforesta- forest degradation in developing Kawsay.” urgently needed for tion, was developed in the wake countries, and the role of conser- their survival. RIA of the 2007 climate conference vation, sustainable management – Indigenous community of Sarayaku, Ecuador offers an integrated in Bali. With the aim of reducing of forests, and enhancement of concept for climate emissions from deforestation and forest carbon stocks in devel- protection and ad- forest degradation, the purpose oping countries”. It has been With Kawsak Sacha , Sarayaku appeals to the aptation to climate of REDD+ is to make protect- discussed by the international international community to reflect on the severe change.” ing the forests as carbon sinks community as a climate protec- global environmental and economic crisis and to financially attractive. However, tion instrument since 2007. seek alternatives. The concept is a concrete proposal Roberto Espinoza, AIDESEP the instrument with which these to defend the rights of nature and has already been goals should be achieved is itself recognised in the Ecuadorian constitution. It makes somewhat dubious. The trade in clear the need to acknowledge nature and all its The connection between climate emission credits does not solve parts as living beings entitled to their own rights. protection and forests, and the the underlying problem, namely Sarayaku calls for formal introduction of the concept importance of indigenous peoples that of a consumption-based of the “living forest” based on self-governance as a to a holistic climate protection social model reliant on extrac- new legal category of protected area. Indigenous strategy were the basis for the tivism. This kind of compensa- territories would thus be protected – among others, establishment of Climate Alliance tion instrument risks giving the from extractive industries. back in 1990. Now, more than 25 impression that we can “buy our years later, forests play an even way out” through certificate trad- greater role in global climate ne- ing, without having to make any gotiations, as deforestation and fundamental changes. forest degradation are the second largest cause of greenhouse This scepticism is echoed by the gas emissions. Indeed, only in the indigenous peoples who dwell in energy sector are the figures even the forests. They are highly critical higher. of the instrument. Non-transparent contracts with international corporations, the loss of control over their own land and increas-

32 33 ing pressure on their living space “This concept allows azonia. RIA has become part of are just a few of their arguments us to respond to the national plans for REDD+ as well against REDD+ programmes. global REDD+ pro- as the climate investment fund in cess and transform Peru. Likewise, RIA pilot projects In response to this criticism potential threats into are underway in indigenous terri- and their dissatisfaction with opportunities for tories in Peru (e.g. Reserva Comu- the approach, the indigenous indigenous peoples nal Amarakaeri), Columbia (e.g. peoples presented a concrete and their forests. RIA Resguardo Inírida) and Brazil (e.g. counter-proposal to the interna- thus makes a tangible Território Igarapé Lourdes). tional community in 2010. REDD+ contribution to miti- Indígena Amazónico (RIA), also gating global warm- known as Indigenous REDD+, ing.” proposes an alternative to the conventional instrument. While Edwin Vásquez, COICA the indigenous organisations agree with the fundamental aim of the REDD+ programme, RIA’s key proposals include the the crucial difference lies in the establishment of long-term method of achieving it. RIA fo- national and local development cuses on the legal recognition of plans, territorial security and indigenous territories in order to holistic forest management. In help those living there to protect addition, indigenous organisa- their living environment. This tions are calling for public access recognition could help to achieve to REDD+ funding so that it can the goal of reducing emissions be controlled by civil society or- from deforestation as the rate of ganisations with the participation deforestation in indigenous terri- of indigenous peoples. According tories is extremely low and more to RIA, monitoring, reporting and than 55% of the carbon stored in auditing should also be carried animals and plants can be found out autonomously by indigenous in indigenous territories and other communities, whereby this form protected areas of the Ama- of monitoring would have to be zon region. In addition, RIA calls recognised by the state. Interested in learning more? for compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights As a genuine alternative to In 2015, Climate Alliance pub- of Indigenous Peoples (Resolution market-based mechanisms, RIA lished a brochure entitled 61/295 of the UN General Assem- offers an integrated approach to “UNREDDY – a critical look at bly) and the implementation of climate protection and adapta- REDD and indigenous strategies ILO Convention No. 169. These tion to climate change. for comprehensive forest protec- resolutions also contribute direct- tion”. ly to the protection of the rainfor- RIA has evolved since 2010 and is est through legal recognition of attracting attention and gain- climatealliance.org/downloads indigenous territories – and thus ing recognition as an alternative enable effective climate protec- counterproposal to REDD+ from tion. the indigenous peoples of Am-

34 35 Climate Change Adaptation Strategies – Conceived by Indigenous Women

Based on an interview with Teresita Antazu Lopez, FECONAYA and Jhenny Muñoz Hilares

“Women have a special view on climate change, as they are involved in the procurement of food in everyday life

Teresita Antazu Lopez, Federation of Native Yánesha Communi- ties, FECONAYA

In indigenous communities, women generally know Northern Peruvian Amazon rainforest takes into more about local conditions than their male counter- account the women’s knowledge and their central parts, who are more likely to be seeking work outside position as mediators between the community core the local community. As a consequence, women are and the natural environment. often more able to determine pragmatic solutions to practical problems. For example, climate change The new river basin management plan aims at the impacted fish migration that had previously shaped sustainable use of natural resources, improvement of their dietary habits, so they created an alternative by the living conditions of the people living in this hy- breeding fish themselves. drographic basin and the empowerment of women. It is based on rural indigenous women’s holistic vision Women are also more affected by extreme climate of the community’s various needs and promotes events than men in indigenous communities. One gender equality in the implementation of its meas- vivid example are intense rains, which increase the ures. water turbidity and force women to go further from their homes to obtain water. This leaves them with Teresita Antazu Lopez and Jhenny Muñoz Hilares are less time for their other chores, such as taking care delegates from the Asháninka and Yánesha people. of the children, breeding animals, growing food on They are exceptions to the traditional role of wom- This was the approach adopted themselves”. Jhenny also wishes for “extractive activities in the their chakras (small forest gardens) and collecting en, as both hold positions of power in community by the AIDESEP for its Adaptation for the challenges of indigenous Amazon to constitute a crime firewood. organisations. to Climate Change Plan that was communities to be recognised against humanity”, and demands conceived by indigenous women and seen in a realistic manner “respect for our territories and In the event of cold weather (as another example of Jhenny Muñoz Hilares emphasised that in order to through workshops and surveys. “and not in the romantic way de- ways of life”, taking into account an extreme climate event), it is the women who must be successful, any sustainable development project This methodology respects Jhen- picted by NGOs or some (inter-) that indigenous peoples “do not take care of the children if they fall ill. In addition aimed at indigenous peoples must be based on ny’s conviction that adaptation national organisations”. seek ‘development’ but rather a to their usual duties, they must then also gather in-depth knowledge of the reality of the indigenous to climate change should be good life for all”. the necessary medicinal plants. Since women are world, from their own perspective. based on local techniques and Teresita Antazu Lopez calls for deemed responsible for healing their children, they approaches. Taking a female per- “the idea of putting a price on are also given the blame in case of a slow recovery. spective leads to “a more target- [indigenous] territories” to be ed approach and offers projects excluded from tropical forests The AIDESEP’s Adaptation to Climate Change Plan that families are able to continue conservation schemes. She asks for the Microcuenca del Cumbaza located in the

36 37 The Tucano Calendar – Tangible Indigenous Knowledge

Based on a text provided by Climate Alliance Austria

“The calendar plans preparation change was also altering the relationships between of the fields in the dry summer different natural phenomena in the seasonal cycles. months: each family then creates The developments observed affect aspects such as new space in the forest for fields. the ways of life, religious, spiritual and agricultural The men cut down the trees and practices as well as the food supply of the Tucano burn them. The ash then serves people. as a fertiliser for the new plantations. However, the rainfall in A dynamic calendar was developed based on tradi- February 2012 made it impossible tional knowledge and observations. The circles are to burn the felled trees, so no new movable and can be rotated independently of one fields could be prepared.” another. This enables adaptation to change. The most important constellations are recorded on a disc This is an account of the serious consequences of climate at the calendar’s centre. The six subsequent circles change from Almerinda Ramos de Lima of the indigenous Tari- record (from the inside to the outside) the annual cy- ano people and the first female head of FOIRN. cles of rainy and dry seasons, animals, wild and crop plants, religious and spiritual activities and the moon. These are associated with the respective constella- The Tucano people in Brazil live beside the Rio Tiquié tion that can be seen at dusk. and other tributaries of the Rio Negro – alongside which the city of Manaus is also located. Over the The calendar has different functions. For one, it helps centuries, they have developed technologies and to pass traditional knowledge on to young people sustainable methods adapted to the scarce re- in the region. At the same time, it also serves as a sources. The calendar of the Tucano people is a tool to implement and monitor the environmental representation of traditional astronomical, environ- concepts developed by the indigenous communi- mental and socioeconomic knowledge of cosmic ties. Adapting agricultural methods safeguards the connections. This knowledge was handed down ver- food supply and thus the subsistence of the Tucano bally from generation to generation, but has increas- people. ingly been forgotten. Another way to create economic alternatives is to The introduction of the indigenous education sys- develop strategies for providing local products with tem in Brazil in the 1990s foresaw the integration of quality seals and marketing these. the teaching of collected and recorded indigenous knowledge in schools, among others. Young students and teachers at the indigenous Yupuri Tucano school observed and documented environmental phenomena and everyday activities in their villages over a period of two years in collaboration with experi- enced women and men, comparing them with many The calendar of the Tucano people years of experience. It became clear that climate

38 39 Lessons Learnt – Delegation Tours Insights

Making the Invisible Visible – Mayor of Cologne’s impressions

“The indigenous peoples of the “The indigenous peoples and cit- rainforests in the Amazon Basin ies of the world are the key play- do not need to change their ways ers in climate protection, as de- of life in their territories to pro- fined in the Paris Agreement. […] tect the climate. They need our Both are faced with the challenge support to protect their territo- of developing approaches and ries.” measures adapted locally to the effects of climate change in order Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne to achieve effective climate protection.”

The delegation trip in which the mayor of Cologne Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne participated in March 2017 was dominated by direct contact with indigenous political representatives as well as wide-ranging impressions and personal Following political meetings in the Ecuadorian insights. Accompanied by Thomas Brose (Climate capital, the trip continued on to the Amazon region Alliance’s Executive Director), Andreas Wolter, who of Peru. Andreas Wolter gained insights into local was also a Climate Alliance ambassador at the UN living conditions during a visit to the Shipibo-Conibo Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh in 2016, communities of Yarinacocha and Santa Clara near spent twelve days travelling through Ecuador and the town of Pucallpa Peru. Personal discussions between the mayor and rep- Andreas Wolter, Mayor of the City of Cologne and Thomas Brose, Andreas Wolter began his trip by attending a confer- resentatives from the Yarinacocha and Santa Clara Executive Director of Climate Alliance, visiting the indigenous ence of the umbrella association of the indigenous communities highlighted common challenges in ad- community of Santa Clara de Uchuya, Peru organisations of the Amazon Basin (COICA) in Quito. dition to the effects of palm oil plantations: both in- In addition to issues such as safeguarding indigenous digenous peoples and European municipalities must land titles, the importance of strengthening organi- address the effects of climate change and respond sational structures and ratification of ILO Convention to these changes accordingly. No. 169, implementation of the Paris Agreement was also a focal topic.

40 41 “The approaches and measures It is precisely this idea that is to now be set out in Facing Challenges Together – Solidarity between indigenous communi- for effective climate protection concrete terms in July 2017: as part of its member- ties and municipalities that we must make available in ship in Climate Alliance and inspired by visits to Europe are completely different to the communities of Yarinacocha and Santa Clara those of the rainforest people. The in Peru, the city of Cologne has agreed a formal measures require a paradigm shift climate partnership with the indigenous community in values and culture. All areas of association FECONAU (Federation of Indigenous life are affected – from produc- Communities of the Ucayali and its Tributaries) in tion through energy consumption Peru. To help strengthen indigenous organisational The consequences of an economic system geared to mobility and diet. In Europe, we structures, Cologne will host the Indigenous Caucus towards growth and profit can be felt everywhere – need new and different role mod- in November 2017. During this meeting for indigenous albeit to varying degrees – be it in illegal deforesta- els – not Formula One winners, representatives from all continents, they will work tion of huge areas of forest for the European timber but rather considerate cyclists.” together on their positions for the upcoming UN industry in Romania or the unlawful expansion of Climate Change Conference in Bonn (COP23). palm oil plantations in areas of primary forest in Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne Peru. The outcomes, such as deforestation, overuse of resources, violation of (human) rights and land conflicts, will be felt by all of us sooner or later. Peo- Insights into the impact of European ways of life “A climate partnership between ple around the world are fighting back against these and the associated challenges in the fight against an indigenous community and unjust structures – in the rainforests of Ecuador, the climate change gained during the trip highlighted the city of Cologne supports the mountains of Greece and rural Romania. They all the relevance of local partnerships with indigenous indigenous organisations in their know that nature is the basis for our survival. communities. struggle for recognition, against discrimination, land grabbing and deforestation. Allowing us to bring “[…] one significant aspect was Despite all of the differences between Europe and local problems to the internation- our visit to the Hungarian Par- the Amazon region, it was primarily the similarities “As part of the climate protection al stage and highlight the link to liament where we discussed our that left a lasting impression on the delegates. In activities in Europe, direct, ‘smart’ climate protection.” ways of life, how we defend our addition to feeling responsible for the global climate, support for indigenous communi- territories and how we are ad- common challenges at the local government level ties in education, communication, Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne dressing climate change. For me, were also identified. It emerged that, in many re- strengthening traditional trade it was important to learn that the spects, indigenous communities work just like munici- and economic structures and sup- Cooperation can build bridges and local solutions people there were also concerned palities: both are responsible for planning their areas porting simple local services is a can be found together by exchanging perspectives, about environmental pollution and are confronted with challenges such as the rural highly efficient measure. The goal for: “The indigenous peoples rightly claim that, ‘We and climate change.” exodus and provision of public services. As the local is to help ensure people’s contin- are part of the solution in the fight against climate level, they are also best in a position to implement ued existence. They guarantee the change. Rainforests will not be destroyed in areas Teresita López, representative of the Yánesha in Peru and par- practical climate protection activities in their terri- survival of the rainforest.” where we live and that are ‘managed’ by us.’” ticipant in the second delegation trip. tories. These similarities helped to dispel prejudice, encourage solidarity and foster mutual appreciation. Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne

42 43 “The first contact with indigenous Nevertheless, the realities of life for indigenous com- representatives was a substantial munities dwelling in the Amazon rainforest, who are step towards the immediate ac- very much dependent on their natural environment, quaintance of a community that cannot be equated with the everyday lives of citizens we usually approach through the in towns and cities in Europe. Instead, they raise the documentary film lens. Having in question of “translatability” and learning from one mind the significance of the Ama- another. The call for alternative concepts, the need zon area in the fight against cli- for community and a conscious, careful approach to mate change and the importance the environment and its resources is becoming ever of preserving the human and louder – continuing the way things are is simply not cultural capital of the indigenous sustainable! peoples, the exchange led us to new reflections on sustainability – especially, in the fields of natural “The climate partnership of the environment, education, poverty city of Munich with the Asháninka eradication, culture and minori- helps the indigenous peoples of ties. The exchange strengthened the Peruvian rainforest to defend the perception of the necessity their rights and their living envi- for a global movement to combat ronment, and thus also nature. overexploitation of natural re- We are therefore protecting the sources, not only in regions with rainforest and the climate togeth- a global impact such as the Ama- er. Whenever the Asháninka visit zon, but in areas with local range us in Munich, we use this opportu- impacts, too.” nity for educational purposes and to raise awareness. It allows us Anna Michou, City Councillor of Thermi, President of Centres of to learn what impact our lifestyle Social Providence & Care and of Preschool Education, Member has on the lives of the people of of the Lifelong Learning Municipal Committee Peru

Stephanie Jacobs, Head of the Department of Health and Envi- ronment of the city of Munich

Beside the political support for indigenous concerns, conscious and critical consumption as well as climate-friendly mobility in our own municipality are part of what makes a “good life” for all. In this context, development policy education and awareness raising are important tasks that cities and municipalities in Europe can support and implement for themselves.

44 45 “The highlight of our time in A “good life” in Europe Paths to Sustainable Development Greece was visiting two communities and a women’s coopera- Initiatives show how the concept inspired by indig- tive that makes traditional grain enous communities in Latin America can also be products and sells these in a res- put into practice here in Europe. Community-sup- taurant. The local administration ported agriculture, for example, which promotes and its advisors were particularly the regional and seasonal supply of agricultural interested in better understanding products with the help of all shareholders. Organic, the reality of the Rio Negro and sustainable cultivation, an economic system char- were open to further coopera- acterised by solidarity and sparing use of resources tion.” reflect the aspiration of “buen vivir” in European municipalities. Carla Dias, ISA Brazil and participant in the third delegation trip The encounters with the indigenous representatives “I believe that the partnership have shown that there are diverse forms of socie- between European municipalities ty and ways of life, which vary depending on the and indigenous communities is The fact that growth-oriented policies are not neces- cultural and historical context. There is no prescribed very important because the Euro- sarily sustainable is demonstrated by mining projects path to sustainable development. Societies cannot peans can only truly understand in Greece just as much as by mines in the Amazon be divided into “traditional” and “modern”. Preserv- the situation of the indigenous region. Western countries are often viewed as “devel- ing traditional practices, values and norms does peoples through direct contact. oped” and as a model for the countries in the Global not necessarily rule out the possibility of benefitting […] This experience helps to South, which are often referred to as “underdevel- from technical innovations such as mobile phones, change our vision of develop- oped”. It is becoming clear that the Western model computers or renewable energy sources at the same ment and consumption patterns. of development consumes the earth’s resources too time. We are living on the same single quickly and often has little regard for human rights. earth, and only through cooper- This must also be taken into account in the future ation and mutual support can we The insights into the continuing struggle of the through the encounter with indigenous partners. The implement such ambitious large- Sarayaku community against oil extraction in its perceptions and romanticising as backward people scale projects like the SDGs.” territory, the unwavering commitment of indigenous dwelling in the rainforest entirely cut off from the women to their rights and the struggle of resistance rest of the world and at one with nature should be Zoltan Hajdu, Focus Eco Center, Romania on the Rio Negro in Brazil encouraged many par- avoided for instance. This also includes addressing ticipants to take action for global and local climate the challenges frequently faced by (not only) women protection. in indigenous communities such as “machismo”. Here, In addition to the exchange, the trips also offered too, parallels can be drawn with the realities of life a platform for the indigenous partners to commu- for the urban population for whom it is important to nicate their concerns at an international level and boost mutual understanding and break down stere- explain their own concepts to different target groups. otypes. Eriberto Gualinga, who travelled to Europe as a representative of the Sarayaku community, introduced the concept of “selva viviente” (the “living forest”) at the Climate Alliance Annual International Conference in Dresden, for example. If the indigenous concept is to be recognised as a formal protection category, international support is urgently required.

46 47 Cooperation with a Future

The varied inspiration from the local government representatives travel experiences gained by and journalists to Ecuador. Anoth- both sides is reflected in creative er example from Greece shows ideas for further cooperation. For the direct effect of the visit: the example, the city of Wels was town of Thermi is planning to set motivated by the trip to organise up an education centre for young an exchange between Austrian people in a nature park. and Brazilian students. The city of Munich used the knowledge In order for this cooperation to gained to organise an entire continue to bear fruit in the long conference on the concept of term, the expansion of partner- “buen vivir”. A virtual exchange ships must be further strength- between nature park schools and ened. Only with alliances based indigenous communities is being on solidarity, such as those implemented by kate, the centre between municipalities in Europe for ecology and development and indigenous peoples in the based in Stuttgart. In Luxem- Amazon Basin, is it possible to bourg, the project partner ASTM ensure a sustainable future and a organised a delegation trip of good life for all!

Page 48 top: Meeting of indigenous representatives Jhenny Munoz and Teresita Antazu with Stephanie Jacobs, Head of Health and Environment of the state capital Munich

Page 48 bottom: Networking and exchange between German NGOs and Eriberto Gualinga

48 49 Appendix

1 USDA (May 2017): Oil Seeds – World Market and Trade. 10 Environmental Investigation Agency: „The Ghost Trucks: Schweighofer’s continued sourcing of illegal timber http://bit.ly/2hvLUru (Last retrieved: 11.05.2017) exposed in new EIA video“ http://bit.ly/2fypMYD 2 Gerasimchuk, Ivette; Yam Koh, Peng (2013): The EU Biofuel Policy and Palm Oil: Cutting subsidies or cutting Rainforest?. IISD. 11 Dimitriadis Sarantis, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, http://bit.ly/2gSEsra (Last retrieved: 18.05.2017) http://bit.ly/2wgYHRe

3 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2016): FAOSTAT database: 12 Environmental Justice Atlas: Gold mining in Halkidiki, Greece http://bit.ly/1E4SPaQ http://bit.ly/2vMZN8c

4 USDA (May 2017): Oil Seeds – World Market and Trade. 13 De groene regentes website, in dutch: http://bit.ly/2hvLUru – Table 11, 19 (Last retrieved: 11.05.2017) http://groeneregentes.nl

5 Bello, Juan (2015): Hacia Una Ecología Política De La Palma Aceitera En El Perú. Oxfam. 14 voor je Buurt website, in dutch: http://bit.ly/2czMZcc , p. 4 http://bit.ly/2jo0pOI

6 Greenpeace (2015): Illegal Logging in Romania. http://bit.ly/2eV0hWv (22.03.2017)

7 Greenpeace (2015): Illegal logging cases in Romanian forests. http://bit.ly/2vMlYvd , p., 5

8 The Guardian (21 October 2015): Major Austrian timber firm accused of illegal logging in Romania. http://bit.ly/2xWBZjz

9 “Forest Radar” application in Romania http://bit.ly/2fb1xBD

50 51 Legal Notice

Climate Alliance European Secretariat

Galvanistr. 28, 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany T. +49 69 717139-0 E. [email protected] climatealliance.org

Climate Alliance editorial team: Thomas Brose, Silke Lunnebach, Sara Schmitt Pacífico, Annika Sutter and Sarah Mekjian

External editorial team: Janina Wich, Splendid Design Co. and Denise Dewey (English version)

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Pictures:

Page 1: State Capital of Munich Page 19: Focus Eco Center Page 45: Jacob Holdt Page 3: Climate Alliance Austria Page 21: Climate Alliance Austria Page 45: Climate Alliance Austria Page 8: OroVerde Page 23: Metalleia Chalkidikis Page 46: Patrice Bamberg Page 8: ASTM http://bit.ly/2wVJMjf Page 48: State Capital of Munich Page 9: Climate Alliance Page 25: Climate Alliance Page 9: ASTM Page 27: Stéphanie Zimmer Page 10: Focus Eco Center Page 29: Municipality of Tulln Page 10: Reflex / Climate Alliance Hungary Page 31: Romain Becker Page 11: Reflex / Climate Alliance Hungary Page 35: Climate Alliance Page 11: City of Daruvar Page 37: Climate Alliance Page 12: City of Cascais Page 38: Associação da Escola Tukano Yupuri Page 13: Climate Alliance Austria (AETY) Page 17: OroVerde Page 41: Robert Guimaraes

52 The Future We Want

climatealliance.org Climate Alliance Shaping Our Future

Concrete political recommendations and demands for coherent and just climate policy along with key conditions for their success; formulated for the local, national and European levels

The Future We Want

Climate Alliance

A Good Life – Transforming Our World

Recommendations and Demands for Sus- tainable Development

Climate justice means assuming If the existing laws and interna- the local transformation and are The Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the global In order to implement coherent policies, Climate responsibility together. It means tional agreements were applied thus crucial to these agreements. average temperature to “well below 2°C” and ideally Alliance has worked with municipalities and civil fairness and sustainability instead coherently, the path to a sustain- Indeed, more than two thirds of to just 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, was reached society organisations from across Europe as well of injustice and overexploitation. able future would be guaranteed. the Sustainable Development at the COP21 UN Climate Conference held in Decem- as indigenous partners from Amazonia to develop All policies – regardless of the However, a glance at political Goals (SDGs) depend upon direct ber 2015. These aims cannot be achieved with the political recommendations and demands for the area or topic – shape our future. practice shows that many of the action on the local and regional national action plans presented in the run-up to the local, national and European levels. These are based Every political decision has global authorities and ministries on the levels. conference – this has also been noted by the Climate on the many years of experience in cooperating with impacts that we must take into EU and national levels do not Change Secretariat. Thus the role of the local level indigenous peoples and municipalities in Europe as account. work together, but rather have Integration of the SDGs into the gains even greater significance as an important com- well as countless delegation trips between Europe conflicting interests: growth and strategies and framework condi- plement to the national level. and Amazonia. The concept of Policy Coher- profit often take precedence over tions created for their implemen- ence for Development (PCD) is justice and human rights. tation on the EU, national and In line with Climate Alliance’s principles for effective described as the interaction and Global partnerships can serve to also local levels is vital. The New climate action, we strive for coherent policy on all coordinated activities of differ- promote both justice and human European Consensus on Develop- levels that is fair, nature-based, local, resource saving ent policy areas to achieve an rights. The Agenda 2030, with its ment affirms sustainable devel- and diverse. overall goal. The importance of ambitious goal of “transforming opment as a long-term vision and policy coherence is emphasised in our world” and the principle of proposes a strategy for achieving To date, ILO Convention No. 169 concerning “Indig- international treaties such as the leaving no one behind, affirms the SDGs.3 The EU Sustainable enous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries” These recommendations and demands are outlined Paris Agreement and the Agenda the power of such partnerships. Development Strategy is yet to be remains the only international norm guaranteeing the in detail on the subsequent pages 2030. The EU also recognises the Sustainable transformation must updated, however. indigenous peoples legally-binding protection and importance of policy coherence in be based on close coopera- entitlement to a variety of basic rights. The signato- its response to the Agenda 2030. tion between all stakeholders Political coherence and the linking ries of ILO No. 169 commit to respect, preserve and It calls for the implementation as equals. Since its inception, of different concepts and policies maintain the knowledge, innovations and practices of sustainability goals in a full, Climate Alliance has been build- is very much in line with Climate of indigenous and local communities embodying coherent, comprehensive, inte- ing partnerships between indige- Alliance’s approach: in addition traditional lifestyles relevant to the conservation and grated and effective manner in nous peoples and European mu- to environmental aspects, effec- sustainable use of biological diversity. This goes hand close cooperation with all stake- nicipalities based on this principle. tive climate action must also take in hand with the principle of free, prior and informed holders.1 The EU position paper The local level has repeatedly social and economic aspects into consent (FPIC) that aims to ensure the co-determina- concerning indigenous peoples been emphasised as a key account. tion of indigenous peoples in the development and confirms precisely this concept, stakeholder for implementation implementation of laws and regulations affecting emphasises the human rights- of the most important interna- them or their territories. based approach of the Agenda tional agreements in recent years, ILO Convention No. 169 is part of a framework of and highlights the importance of namely the Paris Agreement, international legal instruments that include the UN the International Labour Organi- Agenda 2030 and the New Urban Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN- sation’s (ILO) Convention No. 169.2 Agenda. Both municipalities and DRIP) and Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological indigenous peoples help to shape Diversity (CBD).

2 3 Promoting Sustainable Energy for All

EU level

• Raise the EU target for renewable energy consumption to 40% in 2030 • Set a binding target of 40% energy efficiency4 for 2030 in the reviewed Energy Efficiency Directive • Promote buildings with reduced energy demand in line with the Passive House Standard5, rather than the use of smart technology in buildings, in the reviewed Energy Performance of Buildings Directive • Include the right to self-produce and self-consume energy as part of the reform of the Renewable Energy Directive Affordable and clean energy size – must be in line with interna- • Phase out the use of vegetable oils, especially those that exacerbate deforestation, as a component of is a major driver of sustainable tional law and commitments con- biofuel by 20206 development. The challenge lies cerning environmental protection, in finding ways to reconcile the human rights and sustainable demand for sustainable energy development. with its impact on the environment and natural resources. As opposed to mega-projects, Currently, more than half of the decentralised small-scale systems National level EU’s renewable energy consump- reduce communities’ dependence tion is based on biofuels such as on energy imports and greatly palm oil. This has led to increas- decrease the need for infrastruc- • Establish a political framework and appropriate financing mechanisms for a sustainable and decentralised ing pressure on forests and lands ture, thus diminishing ecological energy system both inside and outside the EU as damage. Indigenous territories • Guarantee the right to self-produce and self-consume energy in national energy legislation well as significant greenhouse gas located in areas rich in resources • Take the complementarity between local and national levels into account in renewable energy and climate emissions. are especially vulnerable to such plans and strategies damage at the hands of extrac- • Require renewable energy investors to open project capital acquisition and governance to participation by Decreasing energy-related emis- tive industries. A global switch public and local authorities sions will require an overall reduc- to renewable energies and the • Implement a simplified procedure for small and medium-scale renewable energy project approval tion in energy demand as well as decision to leave fossil resourc- • Incentivise maximum energy efficiency in new builds and retrofits as per standards in line with the Passive a shift to integrated renewable es in the ground would be a House Standard energy systems based on a mix of step toward safeguarding these • Respect the principle of cascading use in the consumption of woody biomass resources solar, wind, tidal and small-scale territories. Ensuring indigenous • Limit the use of wood for energy production hydropower. Reducing energy access to sustainable energy also consumption means using less involves full commitment to the energy to begin with and using principle of Free Prior and In- what is needed more efficiently. formed Consent (FPIC) as set out in ILO Convention No. 169. Regional and local levels Unlike fossil fuels, which depend on economies of scale, central- isation and resource extraction, In light of the above, • Aim for energy sufficiency renewable energies make small- we make the following • Implement local renewable energy systems er-scale, decentralised systems recommendations to • Incentivise maximum energy efficiency in new builds and retrofits of public buildings as per standards in line possible. To ensure their sustaina- the EU, national, re- with the Passive House Standard bility, all projects – whatever their gional and local levels • Promote civic participation by supporting community energy initiatives and energy cooperatives

4 5 Conserving Our Natural Resources

EU level

• Amend the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to increase support to less intensive production systems such as permaculture and grassland-based livestock systems • Ensure that free trade agreements are in line with instruments promoting sustainable development and human rights, including binding commitments for the prevention of deforestation where relevant • Implement the recommendations of the European Parliament resolution on palm oil8 including the develop- The availability and accessibility services, the EU is also in the lead. ment of a single European certification system of resources is crucial for sustain- It was the largest importer of de- • Require transparent labelling of products, make publication of information on supply chains obligatory and able development and poverty forestation embodied in crop and adopt a single unified definition of ‘deforestation-free’ eradication, making it a highly livestock products between 1990 • Develop sustainability criteria for feed imports that include indicators on deforestation and lower tariffs for relevant issue for the EU. At the and 2008.7 sustainably produced commodities same time, the EU’s overcon- • Strengthen enforcement of FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) Voluntary Partnership sumption of natural resources im- About 80% of the most biodi- Agreements (VPAs)9, expand them to include agricultural commodities produced on illegally cleared land, pacts environment and societies verse areas on earth are home to and ensure they protect the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples worldwide. Resource extractivism indigenous or tribal peoples and • Extend the VPA process to cover further countries, especially those affected by the illegal conversion of land threatens a large number of peo- 30% of the carbon stored in the • Make the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forest ple and fragile ecosystems. Those Amazon region alone is in indig- (VGGT) compulsory within the FLEGT framework most reliant on these ecosystems enous territories. For millennia, • Ratify ILO Convention No. 169 and encourage Member States that have yet not ratified it to do so are especially at risk. The indig- indigenous peoples have pre- • Acknowledge and support the inclusion of indigenous alternatives such as the Indigenous REDD+ (RIA) in enous peoples of the Amazon vented deforestation and proved international agreements region are no exception. themselves to be skilled stewards of these important ecosystems. Forests offer countless environ- We must therefore support indig- mental and social services. They enous peoples in their protection provide food, water, medicine and of the rainforest, as they are the National level shelter while also helping to regu- true experts at using their lands late natural cycles and safeguard sustainably. For this to continue, biodiversity. Their role as carbon legal recognition of indigenous • Prioritise fair and sustainable public procurement policies to the extent possible sinks makes them crucial to the territories is essential. • Include the obligatory use of at least one EU core Green Public Procurement (GPP) criterion in all public stability of the planet’s climate. procurement procedures • Introduce higher taxes on commodities with a high deforestation impact10 Unfortunately, the EU’s contri- • Recognise indigenous peoples as direct partners in development cooperation initiatives and include indige- bution to forest destruction is nous alternatives in the programmes significant. Imports such as beef, In light of the above, • Ratify ILO Convention No. 169 soy and palm oil, in particular, we make the following lead to the clearance of tropical recommendations to forests. In terms of the deforesta- the EU, national, re- tion associated with products and gional and local levels Regional and local levels

• Prioritise fair and sustainable public procurement policies to the extent possible • Establish sustainable food chain strategies focusing on fair, local and seasonal food while minimising waste • Develop territorial planning strategies for the sustainable management of local resources including forests

6 7 Channelling Investments to Support Our Goals

EU level

• Divest from all fossil fuels related investments as well as companies violating human rights and contributing to climate change or environmental degradation • Require that Member States elaborate basic ethical and ecological standards for the investment of public funds, such as the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Criteria11 • Demand greater transparency in the investment of public funds • Create an EU classification system for sustainable assets12 In recent years, we have wit- and local authorities can all • Maximise coherence in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda by working with International Financial nessed an intensification of cli- contribute to fair, resource-saving Institutions in addition to other relevant stakeholders13 mate change impacts, economic and nature-based approaches inequalities, political imbalances, by avoiding high-risk assets and natural resource depletion, energy divesting from ethically and consumption, trade and migra- ecologically unsound investments. tion. The current economic model International financial flows must National level of endless growth and resource be in line with long-term strate- extraction is a major driver of gies on climate and sustainable these developments. development. • Divest public funds from all fossil fuels related investments as well as companies violating human rights and contributing to climate change or environmental degradation Steering financial flows in a more • Establish and expand assistance for local authorities to execute divestment and reinvestment strategies14 responsible direction is an impor- • Ensure the accountability of national parent companies for the social and environmental wrong-doings of tant starting point for change. In light of the above, their subsidiaries Depending on how they are we make the following • Elaborate basic ethical, ecological and social standards and make them compulsory for national and directed, investments can either recommendations to sub-national level investments impede or foster a sustainable the EU, national, re- • Establish transparent screening mechanisms to monitor investment conditions and integrate these into future. The EU, its Member States gional and local levels policy frameworks15

Regional and local levels

• Divest public funds from all fossil fuels related investments as well as companies violating human rights and contributing to climate change or environmental degradation • Compile and share guidelines for investing public funds in ecologically and socially responsible assets – preferably locally • Exchange with other municipalities about divestment and reinvestment strategies

8 9 Principles and Preconditions for Sustainable Development Sustainable Financial Support

To successfully implement the aforementioned financial support are essential if we are to success- Even the best ideas and recom- fying processes and criteria for EU recommendations and demands, several principles fully transform our world for the better. This trans- mendations cannot be imple- funding, taking into account the must be integrated into the political consciousness. formation, sustainable development and the goal mented without the necessary specificities of decision-making in Global partnerships, cooperation based on fairness of guaranteeing a good life for all is a challenge for funding. To give subnational au- subnational authorities, and mak- and solidarity, education and awareness raising, each and every one of us. thorities and indigenous peoples ing funds more readily available appropriate legal framework conditions as well as the means to truly make a dif- for smaller scale projects is essen- ference, we must adapt funding tial to improve access to funding. conditions to their realities and facilitate applications for funding. We must ensure that financial flows coming from various initi- Building Bridges – Local Partnerships with a Through its financing instruments atives and institutions are chan- Global Impact for external cooperation and as- nelled in the right direction so sistance, the EU is a main source that they can support ambitious of funding for indigenous peoples projects. Interacting with other communi- European municipalities and and local authorities alike. Simpli- ties and experiencing other reali- indigenous communities. These ties first-hand fosters understand- global partnerships are an impor- ing for other cultures, provides tant opportunity for municipali- opportunities for mutual learning ties to acknowledge their global and prompts action. It also opens responsibility and to campaign for up new perspectives for alterna- climate justice according to the tive social structures, ways of life principle of “common but differen- and concepts. Climate Alliance tiated responsibilities”. helps to build bridges between

Fair in the Future – Supporting Education and Awareness Raising

Education creates opportunities campaign work and educational and has a lasting impact on our offers for all age groups, differ- lives. Encouraging critical thinking entiated and critical perspectives through awareness raising, politi- on a variety of topics help in the cal education and capacity build- development of a thriving global ing are essential drivers of socio- civil society. We need transpar- economic and ecological justice. ency, freely available information Classic educational institutions and opportunities for participa- and external learning centres tion for successful awareness rais- as well as cities and towns play ing and comprehensive capacity an important role. In addition to building.

10 11 Climate Justice – A Holistic Approach

Truly sustainable development calls for an understanding that the hurdles we face are not only environmental, but increasingly also of a social and economic nature. The policy recommendations set out in this paper are thus fittingly based on Climate Alliance’s principles for just climate action:

Fair acting in ways characterised by respect, transparency and the spirit of partnership.

NATURE-BASED contributing to sustainable, closed- loop systems that bring the needs of society into harmony with nature.

LoCal concentrating on the local sourcing of goods and energy.

RESOURCE-SAVING leading to the use of fewer resources, not more of them.

Rio Negro community hosting Climate Alliance Austria, Brasil

DIVERSE making optimal use of differences and understanding that there is no one size fits all answer.

Our recommendations take a holistic, big picture approach that will prove critical to success. By implementing the policy recommendations outlined in this document while striving for political coherency, we will be well on our way to achieving a good life for all.

12 13 Appendix

1 “A Sustainable European Future: The EU Response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – ¹⁰ The impact of EU consumption on deforestation, technical report 2013 Council Conclusions” (June 2017) http://bit.ly/1lKhwlz

2 Council Conclusions on Indigenous Peoples (May 2017), based on “Implementing EU External Policy on 11 The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Criteria is a set of standards for a company’s operations Indigenous Peoples” (October 2016) that socially-conscious investors use to screen investments. ESG refers to the three central factors in measur- http://bit.ly/2gWq7Xe ing the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in a company or business.

3 “The new European consensus on development – our world, our dignity, our future” (Juni 2017) 12 Financing a sustainable European economy, EU High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance (July 2017) http://bit.ly/2w2YEbQ http://bit.ly/2vwQYi7

4 European Parliament resolution of 23 June 2016 on the implementation report on the Energy Efficiency 13 “A Sustainable European Future: The EU Response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Directive Council Conclusions” (20 June 2017) http://bit.ly/2x7ELFI 14 In Germany, the Federal Ministry for the Environment’s publication, “Den ökologischen Wandel gestalten: 5 “Active for more Comfort: Passive House” Integriertes Umweltprogramm 2030” repeatedly refers to “the development of a catalogue for the environ- http://bit.ly/2wBVkIo mentally just investment of public funds”.

6 European Parliament resolution of 4 April 217 on palm oil and the deforestation of rainforests (2016/2222(INI)) 15 In Norway, the Ethical Guidelines for the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) have been in place since http://bit.ly/2vI0GD6 2004 and are evaluated by the Council on Ethics. It provides an evaluation of whether investments in specified companies are inconsistent with the ethical guidelines. 7 The impact of EU consumption on deforestation, technical report 2013 http://bit.ly/1lKhwlz

8 European Parliament Resolution of 4 April 217 on palm oil and deforestation of rainforests (2016/2222(INI)) http://bit.ly/2vI0GD6

9 Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber. A Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) is a legally binding trade agreement between the European Union and a timber-producing country outside the EU. The purpose of a VPA is to ensure that timber and timber products exported to the EU come from legal sources. The agreements also help timber-exporting countries stop illegal logging by improving regulation and governance of the forest sector.

14 15 Legal Notice

Climate Alliance European Secretariat

Galvanistr. 28, 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany T. +49 69 717139-0 E. [email protected] climatealliance.org

Climate Alliance editorial team: Thomas Brose, Silke Lunnebach, Sara Schmitt Pacífico, Annika Sutter and Sarah Mekjian

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16 The Future We Want

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