In Belize’s San Jose village, indigenous peoples know that conserving unique biodiversity can benefit from their knowledge, innovations, and practices that have been nurtured over centuries by living in direct contact with nature. As we celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on 09 August, we know that Indigenous peoples around the world are key allies for conservation and sustainable development efforts.

Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to the environment. Research shows that where indigenous peoples have control of their lands, forests and biodiversity flourish. On this special day, we take a moment to highlight and acknowledge the work being done in Belize to advance the partnership with indigenous peoples.

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