Tebtebba

20/05/2026

Of Bees, Indigenous Peoples and the Planet : A Partnership that Sustains Us All

have long lived in harmony with Mother Nature, including bees – not only for honey with its many uses but as vital partners in sustaining a healthy planet that ensures abundant harvest. Innovating on , Indigenous Peoples are advancing Indigenous food systems and traditional occupations.

One initiative by the Siddi and Khare Vokkaliga communities, in partnership with the Snehakunja Trust (SKT), is the adaption of pro-pollination to build resilience in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats. Nurseries and floral gardens were established to enhance native trees and species of valuable non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as medicinal plants, spices, fruits, food, gums and resins, and aromatics as vital pollen and nectar sources for pollinators. These have not only strengthened pollination services but more importantly, has resulted in increased agricultural production and additional income for the communities.

In Meghalaya, the Khasi and Karbi communities, through North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS), have been introducing school children to the significance of bees through interactive discussions, storytelling, and opportunities to observe local beekeeping practices. These activities help children understand the role of bees in agricultural systems and their contribution to diverse and nutritious food supplies.

Agrobiodiversity walks were also conducted to showcase local plants, crops, and habitats that support pollinators. During these walks, participants explored how bees interact with native flora and observed plant species essential for both food production and pollination. This was followed by visits to community forests, where children helped collect young tree saplings from denser forest areas. These native, pollinator-friendly saplings were intended for transplanting in identified ecological restoration sites, supporting habitat recovery and the long-term sustainability of pollinator populations.

These initiatives, supported by the Indigenous Peoples’ Assistance Facility (IPAF), demonstrate the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in sustaining biodiversity and climate-resilient ecosystems while responding to the immediate economic, health, and well-being needs of both people and planet.
Today, we call on everyone to protect pollinators and their habitats. Ensuring sustainable futures entails refraining from further disrupting the ecological balance and transforming development pathways.

Photo Credits: Snehakunja Trust (SKT)

19/05/2026

LOOK | Tebtebba and UPAKAT Delegation Learning Exchange and Dialogue

Indigenous youth representatives from First Nations in Canada met with the delegation of Tebtebba Foundation, Inc. and Ugnayang Pambansa para sa Katutubong Kaalaman at Talino, Inc. (UPAKAT), Inc. – a national network of Indigenous communities in the Philippines advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge systems and practices – at the Canadian Embassy for a meaningful learning exchange and dialogue.

The session provided an opportunity for the Indigenous youth representatives to learn about Tebtebba’s work at the local, national, and international levels, as well as UPAKAT’s initiatives and practices in grassroots communities.

In turn, the Tebtebba and UPAKAT delegation gained valuable insights from the experiences and advancements of First Nations in Indigenous Peoples’ governance and socio-economic development.

18/05/2026

During her intervention at the launch of the Policy Brief “Indigenous Peoples in Migration Pathways”, held as a side event of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) on May 7, 2026, Ms. Pichamon Yeophantong, Chairperson of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, underscored that the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in migration governance should not be optional, but should in fact be grounded in the legal obligation of states to protect human rights, and the responsibility of businesses to respect them. She emphasized that the policy brief provides a crucial roadmap in relation to how this can be achieved.

Read or download the full Policy Brief here: https://tinyurl.com/ipmgsdg

18/05/2026

| Indigenous Peoples face the worst impacts of climate change, yet their voices are often left out of national climate plans. This report uses data gathered directly by the Gurung community in Nepal and the Munda community in Bangladesh to show how the climate crisis threatens their lands, livelihoods, and cultural survival. By highlighting critical gaps in current policies, the report shows why Indigenous knowledge and leadership are essential for real climate action.

Scan the QR code below to read or download the full report, or click the link here: https://indigenousnavigator.org/publication/climate-change-and-indigenous-peoples-rights-in-nepal-and-bangladesh-insights-from

15/05/2026

One of the highlights of the IPAF 6th Cycle Learning Exchange was the Outcome Framework session led by Dr. Dhrupad Choudhury, Senior Adviser at The Indigenous Partnership for Agrobiodiversity and Food Sovereignty (TIP) and an expert on IFAD’s social, environmental, and climate assessment procedures (SECAP).

In his discussion, Dr. Dhrupad linked the framework to the UN Food Systems Summit, noting agriculture’s role in climate change, biodiversity loss, and water insecurity. He stressed that Indigenous Peoples’ food systems offer solutions by providing nutritious food while protecting ecosystems.

He emphasized: “So, despite the fact that we all contribute in some way to biodiversity loss, climate change, and water insecurity, there is still hope. The reason is that people around the world are engaged in food systems – particularly ' food systems – which provide nutritious food for billions while safeguarding biodiversity and critical ecosystems. That is the conclusion.”

Tebtebba International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

14/05/2026

| Indigenous Peoples' migration isn’t a simple economic choice; it is a reality forced by land dispossession and climate change for up to 500 million people globally. Despite this scale, global policies often treat Indigenous Peoples as invisible or merely "vulnerable," ignoring their collective rights and cultural continuity.

Author: Wilfredo V. Alangui

Swipe through to explore why we must shift from "managing movement" to advancing justice.

Read or download the full Policy Brief here:
https://indigenouspeoples-sdg.org/index.php/english/all-resources/ipmg-position-papers-and-publications/ipmg-submission-interventions/265-policy-brief-indigenous-peoples-in-migration-pathways/file?fbclid=IwY2xjawRuRsBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4VlJad3JqUHBGdVRQdDdKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkijN5LPjeY-BXjqaDb8AUnD1wLuiqUtJuYzvfcKSPrcuCZ0HJqgnFU_Aw2l_aem_ftP7ULYmBDhI55Od69EuoA

12/05/2026

𝗖𝗕𝗔𝟮𝟬 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗢𝗡𝗘

“Community-Based Adaptation is a global imperative for survival in an era of unprecedented climate volatility,” Atty. Romell Antonio O. Cuenca stated in his opening remarks during the 20th anniversary of the Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) Conference held at Novotel, Araneta City, Manila, Philippines. The event convened nearly 400 participants from 67 nationalities living and working across 65 countries.

➡️The CBA conference aims to share the latest developments and best practices in locally led adaptation, including policy, innovation, and theory across sectors, countries, and communities. It also seeks to strengthen networks among practitioners, policymakers, planners, and donors working on locally led adaptation at all levels, while enhancing practitioners' capacity to support the most vulnerable communities affected by change.

➡️Tebtebba Foundation Inc., is co-leading the Knowledge Nexus theme along with Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA).

➡️One of the Knowledge Nexus sessions featured several practitioners, including Tebtebba and Ugnayang Pambansa para sa Katutubong Kaalaman at Talino, Inc. (UPAKAT) delegations, highlighting discussions on knowledge systems and practices, including Indigenous food systems, as part of Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to climate action. Their presentations drew a large volume of participants, showing strong interest in the community-based adaptation practices of Philippine Indigenous communities. The session also examined opportunities for integrating diverse knowledge systems into Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) processes and reports, including the upcoming Seventh Assessment Report (AR7).

➡️The conference is led by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), in partnership with Manila Observatory and the Philippine Action for Community-Led Shelter Initiatives, Inc. (PACSII). Supported by Adaptation Fund, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Adaptation Research Alliance, Climate Justice Resilience Fund, Climate Resilience Alliance, IDRC-CRDI, Mercy Corps, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, UK International Development, and Canadian Embassy. With the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Tebtebba Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Red Cross as contributing partners.

11/05/2026

In her opening remarks at the launch of the Policy Brief “Indigenous Peoples in Migration Pathways”, held as a side event of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) on May 7, 2026, Ms. Robeliza Halip, Executive Director of the Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples - REP, underscored the need to confront systemic failures that allow state and corporate actors to treat ancestral territories as commodities and implement projects without Free, Prior and Informed Consent. She emphasized that such practices create a “continuum of harm” affecting Indigenous Peoples from origin to destination.

Read or download the full Policy Brief here:
https://indigenouspeoples-sdg.org/index.php/english/all-resources/ipmg-position-papers-and-publications/ipmg-submission-interventions/265-policy-brief-indigenous-peoples-in-migration-pathways/file?fbclid=IwY2xjawRuRsBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4VlJad3JqUHBGdVRQdDdKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkijN5LPjeY-BXjqaDb8AUnD1wLuiqUtJuYzvfcKSPrcuCZ0HJqgnFU_Aw2l_aem_ftP7ULYmBDhI55Od69EuoA

11/05/2026

Read | TebtebbaArchives: 25 Years of Building Just Peace

The CHT Accord, signed on 2.12.1997, was meant to end armed violence in the CHT. It was welcomed by in CHT as an opportunity to claim their rights as Indigenous Peoples and citizens of . Indigenous civil society leaders came together with NGO donors from Germany. They requested capacity-building and professionalization to the extent of being in a position to access funds for their future activities.

Given the trauma inflicted by the violent conflict, there was fear and mistrust against members and institutions of the mainland community. Therefore, involving experienced Bangladeshi NGOs in leading such a process was impossible. Donors had to think out of the box and go an extra mile in managing challenging funding procedures in order to support the post-Accord activities. Eventually it was decided to work with an international organization. This organization was considered to be neutral and given their focus on Indigenous Peoples worldwide, “like-minded.” This introduced the Maleya Foundation to the international community of Indigenous activists.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4uta1Ye
visit: tebtebba.org

08/05/2026