Indigenous peoples and UNESCO
Indigenous peoples live in all regions of the world and own, occupy or use some 22% of global land area. Numbering at least 370-500 million, indigenous peoples represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity, and have created and speak the major share of the world’s almost 7000 languages. Many indigenous peoples continue to be confronted with marginalization, extreme poverty and other human rights violations. Through partnerships with indigenous peoples, UNESCO seeks to support them in addressing the multiple challenges they face, while acknowledging their significant role in sustaining the diversity of the world’s cultural and biological landscape.
In its current Medium-term Strategy (2008-2013), UNESCO places the needs of indigenous peoples amongst its priority areas for response.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Indigenous and Local Knowledge of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Europe and Central Asia(ECA): Outcomes from the ECA Dialogue Workshop
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Indigenous and Local Knowledge of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Africa: Outcomes from the African Dialogue Workshop