Guide on Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples

• Conclusion: This case study shows what can be achieved if indigenous peoples,through their representative organizations, engage activelyin the various national and global processes related to climatechange and REDD+. The indigenous peoples, through AMAN,utilized a combination of approaches such as the mobilization ofcommunities, participation in global spaces like the UNPFII; theUNFCCC, the CERD, the FCPF Participants' Committee, andUN-REDD Policy Board; and the use of international instrumentslike the ICERD and the UNDRIP. They also used the grievanceprocedures of CERD and the IFC. In doing all these, they managedto make their issues more visible, so much so, that the governmentcould not ignore them anymore. Since AMAN does not have much resources, they had to mobilizesupport from others so they can take part in REDD-relatedactivities, both at the local and global levels. They are also opento engage in dialogues with the key players in the FCPF, e.g.,donors, FCPF team, representatives of the Indonesian government.AMAN's legitimacy to speak on behalf of indigenous peoples andto engage in all these processes cannot be questioned. The membersof the AMAN Secretariat were constantly in touch with the leadersto get their feedback on the developments. The Secretary Generalof AMAN is on top of the REDD issue. The ost recent nationalactivity in Sinar Resi was a political activity to consolidate themembership and to agree on a strategy to address climate changeand REDD. This issue of forests and indigenous peoples' rights in Indonesiais politically sensitive because the interests being challenged arethose of the most powerful economic, political and military elite.Undertaking work which challenges the status quo is, therefore,very high risk. This is the reason why AMAN has to be verysystematic and sophisticated in how they address the forest issue.In spite of all the dangers they face, they have persisted in theircall for effective participation and respect oftheir rights. It isnot realistic to expect that things will change overnight. Whatis clear is that by using the issue of forests - which has becomevery prominent again because of REDD and climate change - theindigenous peoples managed to open up more spaces to push forchanges in the forest and agrarian legislation and the way thegovernment is dealing with indigenous peoples' rights and identityissues.88 <strong>Guide</strong> on Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples