27 million indigenous people rely on the ocean and its resources for their identity, livelihoods, and food and nutrition security. Despite their connection, dependance and traditional knowledge, they remain underrepresented in the blue economy discourse, ocean governance and resource management.

Organized by the World Bank and the United Arab Emirates, this 2025 UN Ocean Conference side event will provide a forum to enhance indigenous voices, rights, and contributions.  It will present regional profiles, led by indigenous researchers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific, highlighting Indigenous Peoples’ roles, good practices, challenges, and aspirations. It will focus on mangroves with its vital importance for coastal communities, biodiversity and climate change adaptation and mitigation. It will also explore how social protection and jobs interventions can support policy reform and effective resource management, drawing on indigenous knowledge.  Speakers will include indigenous community leaders, as well as policymakers, researchers and youths, along with representatives from UN organizations.

Partners:

• Mangrove Alliance for Climate
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO
• Abya Yala Indigenous Forum (FIAY)
• Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)
• African Communities Resource Rights Alliance (ACCRA)
• Indigenous Peoples Network of Southern Africa (IPNeSA)