Peasants’, Rural Workers’ and Other Rural Peoples’ Key Role in Safeguarding the Environment

Event

The Triple Planetary Crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution - is threatening the survival and life in dignity of present and future generations in their intrinsic relationship with nature.

Peasants, fishers, pastoralists, forest-dependent people, nomadic people, agricultural workers, rural women, and other rural communities who rely on land, water and other natural resources for their survival are the most affected by the consequences of the climate crisis, the destruction of ecosystems, as well as by the false solutions that are promoted to address some of the climate-related impacts. At the same time, peasants and other people working in rural areas play a key role in conserving biodiversity, fighting environmental degradation and ensuring the right to adequate food for all.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants (UNDROP) plays a pivotal role in recognizing the special relationship of small-scale food producers and their contribution to improving biodiversity and protecting the climate and environment.

During this event – co-organized with FIAN International, La Via Campesina, CETIM and with the support of the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung –, right-holders from affected communities will give testimonies on the impacts of environmental destruction on their communities, talk about their ongoing struggles and challenges, and propose solutions to multiple crises.

Moderation

• Ana María Suárez Franco, FIAN International

Panelists

• Sibylle Dirren, FIAN International
• Micherline Islanda Aduel, La Via Campesina
• Claudia Pineda, FIAN Honduras
• Alex Naranjo, FIAN Ecuador
• Marcos Orellana, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights
• Ben Schachter, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (TBC)