May 7, 2024 Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas: What they are and why they are important by Youth Advisory Council (2023-2024 Cohort) What is an IPCA? IPCA stands for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. These areas are also referred to by a variety of other names, including: Tribal Parks, Indigenous Sovereignty and Protected Areas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Conservancies, etc. No matter the name, the key theme is a conservation area that is Indigenous-led – where Indigenous governments and communities have the primary role in determining governance structures, management plans, boundaries, and aspirations through employing their rights to self-determination. The influential 2018 report entitled “We Rise Together” by the Indigenous Circle of Experts stated that IPCAs take many forms, but all have the same common three elements: They are Indigenous-led. They represent a long-term commitment to conservation. They elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities. How are IPCAs created? There is no single blueprint or process for establishing an IPCA; however, oftentimes IPCAs are declared through Indigenous law on a nation’s traditional territory through a variety of options. This includes: Self-declaration: Indigenous governments hold the inherent right to designate IPCAs in their territories. A nation can declare a portion of their traditional territory as a conservation area. This can be done through multiple mechanisms including orally, through Land Declarations, agreements, etc. Shared governance: Also referred to as nation-to-nation or Crown partnerships, a shared governance approach involves authority being split between two or more governing bodies including multiple Indigenous nations, federal or provincial/territorial governments, or even NGO partnerships. Why are IPCAs essential? Many existing conservation areas and parks were created and informed by western/colonial worldviews, while also forcibly removing Indigenous Peoples from their land, burning down homes, and performing arrests to deter nations from returning – causing intergenerational social traumas, economic distress, and loss of Indigenous lands and knowledge. The creation and promotion of IPCAs has the ability to both support Indigenous livelihoods, lands, and ways of life, in addition to supporting the environment and species biodiversity. Canada is currently committed to multiple national and international reconciliation and environmental goals, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Convention on Biological Diversity 30×30 framework. IPCAs have the ability to both aid in reconciling past and present injustices towards Indigenous Peoples and to enhance conservation and biodiversity outcomes with enhanced stewardship practices and knowledge accumulated over generations. Where can you find more Information? There are many great sources of information on IPCAs available online, including: IPCA Knowledge Basket, available here. Conservation for Reconciliation Partnership, available here. Indigenous Leadership Initiative, available here. Explore Related Content Youth Advisory Council, Youth Voices We deserve more than a false choice between nature and prosperity: Youth Advisory Council May 7, 2024 Read more From The Field, Good News Stories, Youth Advisory Council Building roots and growing shoots: A week in Malaysia with global changemakers May 7, 2024 Read more Youth Advisory Council What tools support Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas? May 7, 2024 Read more
