2026 General Assembly of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for Conservation in Africa (AICA)
From 26 to 31 May 2026, the African Indigenous Women’s Organization – Central African Network (AIWO-CAN) hosted the 2026 General Assembly of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for Conservation in Africa (AICA) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Held at the Mont Fébé Hotel, the gathering brought together representatives of AICA member organizations and stakeholders committed to promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and advancing inclusive and human rights-based approaches to conservation.
The six-day gathering combined several complementary activities aimed at strengthening the capacities, participation, and collective voice of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in processes related to conservation and biodiversity protection.
The first days were dedicated to capacity building and the engagement of young leaders. This space enabled young representatives from member organizations to strengthen their knowledge and exchange experiences on leadership, participation in decision-making processes, advocacy, and their role in promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. The discussions also encouraged intergenerational dialogue and strengthened connections among young leaders from different regions of Africa.
On 28 and 29 May 2026, AICA members convened for the General Assembly. This important governance session provided an opportunity for members to review the functioning and activities of the Alliance, strengthen exchanges among member organizations, and collectively reflect on priorities and strategic directions for its future work.
The opening ceremony of the General Assembly was jointly presided over by Professor James Mouangue Kobila, President of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CDHC), and Mr. Malidadi Berlings Langa, President of AICA. Their presence highlighted the importance of dialogue and collaboration between human rights institutions, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ organizations, and other stakeholders committed to promoting rights-based conservation.
The discussions enabled participants to exchange views on the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities across different African contexts, including increasing pressures on land and natural resources, the impacts of climate change, and the need to strengthen their meaningful participation in processes and decisions affecting their territories and livelihoods. The gathering also reaffirmed the essential role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as holders of knowledge and practices that contribute to biodiversity protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. Discussions therefore emphasized the need to promote inclusive conservation approaches based on the recognition of communities’ rights, knowledge, and meaningful participation.
The final phase of the gathering was dedicated to reflections on advocacy and strategic engagement. It provided participants with an opportunity to strengthen coordination, share experiences, and identify common actions to more effectively advance the concerns and priorities of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in national, regional, and international spaces.
By hosting this continental gathering, AIWO-CAN contributed to providing an important platform for dialogue, governance, capacity building, and collective action. The 2026 AICA General Assembly strengthened relationships among member organizations and reaffirmed the importance of collective action in promoting the rights, knowledge, and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in conservation and environmental protection.