- C30 -

Our Mission We believe Cultural diversity is inherently linked to biological diversity and that effective stewardship of our Earth must involve local people. Traditional knowledge systems are critical to manage and conserve many of the worlds most threatened landscapes and to help people adapt to climate change. Complex social and environmental problems are often best addressed through locallyconceived solutions shared through grassroots processes. Ineffectual or damaging laws and policies however must be tackled at the governmental level part of addressing biodiversity loss and political economic and social inequity must include bringing the voices and experiences of local groups to policymakers.