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Successful conservation relies on community engagement. Indigenous peoples and local communities, as guardians of the land, are essential to nurturing effective conservation projects.
Indigenous peoples as guardians of the land
Although Indigenous peoples account for only 6% of the world’s population, they’re believed to be effectively managing about 20-25% of the world’s lands and protecting about 80% of the world’s biodiversity.
As stewards of the land, protecting biodiversity has a major impact on their day-to-day life. One such example is when the Mohamed bin Zayed supported the critically endangered Parana Tree project as a sacred species for The Laklãnõ/Xokleng community in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The araucaria tree used to be the main food supply for The Laklãnõ/Xokleng community, but the trees were chopped down and wood exported leaving the tree critically endangered and on the brink of extinction.
People power
Community engagement is vital to the success of any conservation project. The more people who rally behind a cause, the greater the chances for species survival. However, capturing the public’s attention can be one of the toughest challenges. At the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, we’ve supported a variety of projects that implemented innovative community outreach strategies. By leveraging education, sports, and even film, these initiatives have effectively engaged and inspired people to take action for conservation.
Community Heroes
The Fund has always invested in people because, without passionate conservationists inspiring their communities, species conservation simply wouldn’t be possible. It’s truly uplifting to hear how much they appreciate the work we’re doing together.
Sami Majeed
United Arab Emirates
"The support from the MBZ Fund has been a game-changer for our conservation efforts. The impact of the funding reaches far beyond equipment; it has empowered me to amplify my efforts in ways I cannot fully express."
Zafeer Shaikh
Pakistan
“Thank you, MBZ Fund, for empowering us to make a meaningful difference and for being a catalyst in our journey toward positive change in wildlife conservation and research in Pakistan.”
María García
Argentina
"The MBZ Fund grant has greatly boosted my journey as a conservation biologist, allowing me to reshape my approach to conservation".