Workshop of the Iniciativa Comunales to promote the ICCA registry in Spain

In recent decades, several international organizations such as the IUCN and UNEP have recognized the existence of, in addition to public, private and co-managed protected areas, areas held by indigenous peoples and local communities, internationally known as ICCAs, that correspond, for example, to much of the communally own land and water still present in Spain. These areas, despite having their own system of governance and a good degree of conservation, biological and cultural wealth, typically are not recognized or accorded specific protection by public administrative bodies.

The meeting oragnised by Iniciativa Comunales discussed a methodological framework for identifying ICCAs that wish to begin international registration as protected areas. This workshop was attended by several organizations representing local communities, as well as experts in the field of participation, the evaluation of protected natural areas, and the study and protection of communal lands, all of who are members of Iniciativa Comunales.

Pau Sanosa, Silene Association (NGO member of Iniciativa Comunales) participated with a contribution on how intangible heritage is related to communal lands and waters, and communal uses.

For more information, visit the website: ICCA – Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas