By Tolita Davis-Angeles, Industry Fellow in Healthy and Productive Forests Through Effective Indigenous-Led Partnerships
Attending the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC) meeting in Istanbul was an extraordinary opportunity to join Indigenous leaders from around the world in discussions focused on the future of forests, Indigenous rights and sustainable land stewardship.
While the meeting was formally centred on the work of PIPC within the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), it ultimately became a powerful demonstration of how Indigenous leadership contributes to the protection of forests and the communities that depend upon them.
Over three days, Indigenous representatives from diverse regions came together to share experiences, cultural knowledge and perspectives shaped by generations of caring for Country, lands, waters and forests. The meeting created a unique space where global challenges facing forests could be discussed through both practical and cultural lenses, recognising that effective forest stewardship requires strong governance, healthy ecosystems and meaningful Indigenous participation.
Advancing Forest Protection
Several key discussions during the meeting focused directly on matters that support the long-term protection and responsible management of forests. These included conversations around Intact Forest Landscapes, Indigenous Peoples in isolation and initial contact, cultural services and practices, Indigenous self-identification, forest stewardship standards, and the revision of FSC principles, criteria and indicators. These topics are critical because they influence how forests are managed, protected and valued across the world.
Importantly, the meeting reinforced the principle that Indigenous Peoples must be active participants in decisions affecting forests rather than stakeholders consulted after decisions have already been made. By strengthening pathways for Indigenous voices within FSC processes, PIPC helps ensure that forest management decisions are informed by cultural knowledge, lived experience and long-term stewardship responsibilities.
The discussions highlighted that forest protection is not solely about conserving landscapes. It is also about protecting cultural knowledge, safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem resilience and ensuring future generations inherit healthy and functioning forests. Indigenous Peoples bring thousands of years of experience in caring for forests, and the meeting reaffirmed the value of embedding this knowledge within global governance frameworks.
Alignment with UniSC Forest Research Institute
The experience strongly aligns with the mission of the UniSC Forest Research Institute, which works across forest conservation, forest health and resilience, sustainable forest management and the relationships between people and forests. The Institute's commitment to ecological stewardship and sustainable forest futures reflects many of the themes that emerged throughout the PIPC discussions.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the meeting was seeing Indigenous knowledge recognised as an essential contributor to contemporary forestry challenges. Conversations consistently reinforced the importance of integrating cultural knowledge alongside research, policy and management practices to achieve stronger forest outcomes. This complements the work of UniSC researchers who seek practical solutions that support both environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.
The opportunity to learn from Indigenous leaders from across the globe also strengthened international networks and broadened understanding of forest stewardship approaches in different contexts. These shared experiences help build stronger partnerships and contribute to future research and collaboration opportunities that support healthy forests and resilient landscapes.
Supporting the Vision of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI)
The meeting also aligns closely with the objectives of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), which supports research and innovation across areas such as forest health, biodiversity conservation, First Nations participation in forest management, natural capital, biosecurity and sustainable forest futures.
AFWI identifies First Nations participation in production forest management, biodiversity conservation and the management of forest health as important areas for future research and innovation. The PIPC meeting provided a valuable forum to explore these issues internationally and to examine how Indigenous leadership can contribute to stronger outcomes for forests and forest-dependent communities.
Discussions on Indigenous rights, cultural authority and participation in decision-making highlighted the growing recognition that successful forest protection requires partnerships that respect both scientific evidence and Indigenous knowledge systems. These conversations directly support AFWI's broader vision of creating sustainable forest futures that recognise the multiple values forests provide, including environmental, cultural, social and economic benefits.
Perhaps the most significant outcome of attending the PIPC meeting was the reminder that Indigenous leadership remains one of the greatest strengths available in the protection of forests worldwide. Across every discussion, there was a shared understanding that forests are more than resources. They are living systems that sustain biodiversity, culture, identity and community wellbeing.
Personal reflection
For me as a First Nations Australian, participating in this gathering was both an honour and a responsibility. It provided an opportunity to share cultural perspectives, learn from Indigenous leaders from across the world and contribute to conversations that will influence the future management of forests at an international level.
The experience reinforced the importance of ensuring Indigenous voices remain central to decisions that affect forests and demonstrated the positive impact that collaboration, respect and shared stewardship can have in creating a more sustainable future.
