Indigenous representatives attended the 15th session of the UN's Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, highlighting violations of indigenous rights and the lack of proper consultations on large infrastructure and extractive projects. Leaders called for a global evaluation of indigenous rights, focusing on violations against environmental defenders. The murder of Honduran leader Berta Cáceres and Shuar leader José Isidro Tendetza Antún were cited as examples of the persecution faced by those defending their territories. The forum also emphasized the need for empowerment of indigenous women and proposed that an indigenous woman be seated on the UN Security Council. Despite legal instruments and regulations, authorities often remain silent on these issues. The International Labor Organization’s Convention 169 is non-binding, and indigenous groups seek binding safeguards to ensure governments consult with them on development projects. Brazil’s BNDES is trialing a binding system of safeguards for projects in South America.

A Palestinian community in the West Bank, Al Jab'a, faces severe water shortages exacerbated by decreasing rainfall and groundwater levels. Despite limited access to Israeli water supplies through infrastructure built by an Italian NGO, the village's water supply remains insufficient and precarious due to lack of official permits. The Israeli-Palestinian Joint Water Committee, established by the Oslo accords, has not resolved these issues, with political tensions and settlement building halting discussions. UNICEF and other organizations advocate for sustainable water management and the rehabilitation of ancient cisterns to improve water access. The situation underscores the broader conflict over water resources between Israel and Palestinian communities.

Indigenous and local communities play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by managing forests that act as significant carbon sinks. Despite this, they legally own only a small fraction of the land they inhabit. Civil society groups are urging governments to enhance the protection of customary land rights to prevent deforestation and CO2 emissions. Key figures like Julio Ricardo Cusurichi Palacios and organizations such as the Rights and Resources Initiative and the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility emphasize the need for community engagement and increased investment in forest conservation. The article highlights the importance of recognizing indigenous land rights to achieve climate goals and protect forests.

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are critical in addressing climate change, capable of sequestering 12 gigatonnes of CO2 annually, contributing significantly to the 2030 climate targets. China is actively promoting NBS, with initiatives like mangrove conservation and green technology exports. The upcoming COP15 in Kunming aims to set new conservation goals. Brazil's agriculture sector, a major GHG emitter, is exploring sustainable practices to protect the Amazon. Political will and market signals are essential for effective conservation and sustainable trade.

Climate change poses significant threats to smallholder farmers, necessitating locally appropriate solutions to adapt to changing rainfall patterns. Agriculture is crucial for many countries' climate plans, with Morocco's economy heavily reliant on it. Small farmers like Ahmed Khiat face severe challenges due to reduced rainfall and increased droughts. Technologies like direct seeding, supported by organizations such as the Global Environment Facility, have shown promise in improving yields and resilience. However, Africa receives a disproportionately small share of climate funds despite its vulnerability. The UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech emphasized the need for new funding sources to prevent global food insecurity, with experts advocating for local solutions and microcredit mechanisms to support farmers.

A Palestinian community in the West Bank, Al Jab’a, faces severe water shortages exacerbated by decreasing rainfall and groundwater levels. Despite limited access to Israeli water supplies through infrastructure built by an Italian NGO, the village's water supply remains insufficient and precarious due to the lack of official permits. The Israeli-Palestinian Joint Water Committee's inactivity has stalled many water projects, leaving numerous communities without reliable water access. Calls for international support and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians are emphasized to address the ongoing water crisis, with suggestions to rehabilitate ancient cisterns as a cost-effective solution.

Costa Rica has signed a memorandum of understanding to promote China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), becoming the second Central American country to do so after Panama. The agreement, signed by Costa Rican Vice-President Epsy Campbell and Chinese Ambassador Tang Heng, aims to enhance infrastructure development and international cooperation. While the initiative promises significant investment and job creation, it faces criticism for potentially increasing indebtedness and supporting environmentally harmful projects. Costa Rica's past experiences with Chinese investments, such as the shelved oil refinery project, highlight the need for careful consideration of future collaborations. The country aims to leverage the BRI for environmental and economic benefits, aligning with its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2021.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are critical for addressing climate change and can mitigate 12 gigatonnes of CO2 per year. They are essential for countries to meet the Paris Agreement target and build resilience. China is promoting NBS ahead of the COP15 biodiversity talks in Kunming, with a focus on conservation goals and the role of NBS in carbon mitigation and ecosystem services. The country has made progress in mangrove conservation and is advocating for greener value chains and sustainable trade practices. Brazil's Amazon Environmental Research Institute highlights the country's potential for sustainable agriculture that protects the Amazon. Deforestation remains a significant challenge, with a 29.5% increase last year and a correlation between forest protection and competitive, forest-friendly food supply. Political will and market signals, such as China's ivory ban, are necessary for effective nature management.

World leaders failed to make significant progress on climate action at COP25, but youth climate activists, led by figures like Greta Thunberg, demonstrated strong leadership and clarity of purpose. Young activists from various countries emphasized the need for improved climate education in schools to build a sustainable future and inspire action. Initiatives like Engajamundo in Brazil, Green Generation Initiative in Kenya, and Espaces Verts du Sahel in Chad are actively promoting environmental education. UNICEF and other organizations are advocating for child-inclusive climate policies, while countries like Italy and New Zealand have introduced climate change education in schools. The article highlights the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to address climate change and build a sustainable future.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are critical for addressing climate change, with the potential to mitigate 12 gigatonnes of CO2 annually. China is leading efforts to promote NBS, particularly through initiatives like mangrove conservation and the upcoming COP15 biodiversity talks. The importance of traditional knowledge and sustainable practices in managing ecosystems is emphasized. Brazil's role in global food security and the challenges of deforestation are highlighted, with calls for improved conservation and sustainable trade practices. Political will and market signals are deemed necessary for effective nature management.