Indicate which actions have been carried out to implement this Resolution :
Convene stakeholders/Networking
Field activities
Describe the results/achievements of the actions taken:
- Representatives from FPP, CEESP and the IUCN Secretariat met to discuss fundraising opportunities for next steps for the Whakatane Mechanism, such as development of a GEF Medium-sized grant concept. As part of this work, it was agreed that the development of next steps should engage and be supported by IUCN’s IPO Members. In addition, this process should involve further development and clarification of the WM’s proposed scope and modes of operation. FFP agreed to draft a set of next steps for sharing and inputs.
- An activity report from FPP noted that there has been little substantial progress in advancing the Whakatane Mechanism (WM) globally since it was reviewed at the CEESP’s Feb 2017 meeting in Gland. There have been ongoing discussions on this between CEESP, WWF, WCS, NJ and FPP, but little substantial progress. Additionally there have been meetings where FPP has presented to conservation organisations on the status and need for support for the ongoing Whakatane processes (e.g. at CEESP’s May 2018 Halifax, Nova Scotia, meeting, and at an informal meeting held by FFI in Cambridge in December 2018). Despite the seriousness of the issue, only three WMs have happened since 2011.
- In 2018, the stalling dialogue in DRC that the WM had enabled since 2014 (between evicted Batwa at Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB) and ICCN/ PNKB) ground to a halt after one Batwa man searching for medicines on his ancestral lands was shot dead by PNKB eco-guards in 2017.
- The slow but steady progress initiated by the 2011 WM with the Ogiek at Mt Elgon, Kenya, continues. County Government continues to engage positively, but Ministry of Environment has shown no willingness. Meanwhile, the nearby Sengwer indigenous peoples of Cherangany Hills have been suffering violent displacement from their ancestral lands by the Ministry’s Kenya Forest Service, now including the shooting and killing of peaceful community members in early 2018.
- There has been some good dialogue at the global level, but the resources have not been committed by major conservation organisations to make this a success.
What challenges/obstacles have been encountered in the implementation of this Resolution and how were they overcome :
As noted above, there are challenges with WM processes at the local level, while at the same time more awareness, institutional support and financial resources are needed to advance efforts.
Briefly describe what future actions are needed for the implementation of this Resolution:
- Based on a recent meeting, FPP will draft a set of next steps for fundraising opportunities.
- At the local leveL: (i) Continue with DRC dialogue: hopefully expand it to seek legal change at the national level; and (ii) Continue with the Kenya dialogue, but both these require support from the IUCN Secretariat to ICCN (DRC) and ESARO (Kenya) to back these moves; and (iii) Seek active support and funding from IUCN to respond to requests to have WM processes elsewhere.
Are these actions planned for yet:
