Indigenous Environmental Network calls for alternative solutions that reduce emissions, protect forests and respect rights

What: In a new report, the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) breaks down the possible consequences of the new climate treaty for Indigenous peoples, biodiversity and the climate; highlighting the problems that current projects, referred to as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD), have posed for Indigenous peoples around the world.

Who: Speakers will include:

Tom B.K Goldtooth, Executive Director, Indigenous Environmental Network (United States)

Anna Pinto, Centre for Organization, Research and Education (India)

Carlos Picanerai, Coordination for Indigenous Peoples Self-Determination (Paraguay)

Kate Horner, Friends of the Earth (United States)

When: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m., October 1, 2009

Where: UNFCCC press conference room, Bangkok. Watch live: http://unfccc.int/meetings/intersessional/awg-lca_1_and_awg-kp_5/webcast/items/4341.php

Why: REDD-type pilot projects have already demonstrated that forest carbon offset schemes violate Indigenous people’s rights. Projects have exacerbated eviction, fraud, conflict, corruption, coercion and militarization. IEN and many other Indigenous groups are rejecting offset based REDD – and are calling for alternate solutions that focus directly on reductions of fossil fuel emissions without compromising the rights of Indigenous peoples or destroying the environment.

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Indigenous Environmental Network is an Indigenous organization works with Indigenous Peoples worldwide on environmental justice, energy and climate policy issues. For more information, visit: http://www.ienearth.org