Journeys to more equitable and effective conservation: the central role of Indigenous peoples and local communities

This monographic issue of the “Policy Matters”, the journal of the IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy, is devoted to showing the role of indigenous peoples and local communities to provide equitable and effective conservation. It includes eight collectively prepared case studies emphasizing Indigenous and local community-led conservation, focusing on governance, social-ecological dynamics, and transformative approaches across ecosystems in Thailand, India, Micronesia, Madagascar, Kenya, Mexico, and Indonesia. It underscores the importance of shared visions, adaptive governance, cultural recognition, and equitable collaboration for effective, sustainable conservation outcomes. Hence, conservation is most successful and just when it is inclusive, rights-based, and led by those who are most closely connected to the land.