Together for Their Communities

Inspiring stories of people and organisations uniting and supporting each other to fight climate change, protect our planet and forge sustainable, fair and inclusive societies.

By United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

CRIS Alliance, Associación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana, Rainforest Rescue, Local Government Association, The Scouts

When we work together, we have the potential to make real change. Whether we work with communities to protect island heritage in Micronesia like CRIS Alliance, defend indigenous and women's rights like AIDESEP, fight deforestation in Indonesia like Rainforest Rescue, use local voices to tackle pollution like the Local Government Association or engage with the leaders of tomorrow like the Scouts, we are better together.

The Giant (2017) by HostHavasUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

CRIS Alliance: Palau

CRIS Alliance supports its members and helps them connect with projects and agencies that are leading policies and actions in climate change, including the tourist 'Palau Pledge' to protect Palau's rich ecosystems and environment. 

HERO - Palau Pledge (2020) by SeaLegacyUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

CRIS Alliance: The Palau Pledge

All visitors to Palau must now sign a pledge to protect its future. This asks them to be mindful of conservation efforts and it highlights the role of the National Marine Sanctuary in protecting Palau's ocean which communities depend on for their livelihoods.

The role Indigenous People play in protecting the natural environment is crucial. And within these communities, women are a vital link to traditional knowledge, food security and rainforest conservation. In Peru, development efforts are focusing on training female indigenous leaders.

Mujeres del Amazonas (2015)United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

AIDESEP: Women of the Amazon

The Inter-Ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Jungle (AIDESEP) defends indigenous peoples’ rights,  supports development proposals, in line with community worldviews, values and lifestyle and promotes the importance of indigenous  women for the maintenance of the rainforest, to strengthen communities and train indigenous female leaders.  

All around the world communities are mobilising to protect their environment. In some places, like in the lush rainforests of Indonesia, the race to preserve land is being challenged not just by global warming but also by economic forces. Here conservation and conflict have been closely linked.

KINIPAN - a film about deforestation in times of pandemic (2021) by Dandhy Dwi Laksono, Indra JatiUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Rainforest Rescue

Rainforest Rescue is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving rainforests, protecting their inhabitants and furthering social reforms. Against a backdrop of land grabbing, deforestation, social injustice and destructive economic development, Kinipan, a small village in the mountains of Borneo has become an Indonesian symbol of resistance. The film 'Kinipan' documents the villagers' fight to protect the rainforest, their wellbeing and livelihoods against deforestation primarily led by the mass extraction/production of Palm Oil. 

KINIPAN - overwhelming reactions (2021) by Dandhy Dwi Laksono, Indra JatiUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Kinipan: Deforestation and reforestation in Indonesia

In the village of Kinipan, residents shared their reactions on seeing their struggle depicted on film. Rainforest Rescue work with local communities to campaign for forest conservation. The destruction of ecosystems has worsened during the pandemic as the Indonesian government eliminated a number of environmental protection rules. Large parts of the Tanjung Puting National Park were converted into palm oil plantations or mining areas. 
 


In the United Kingdom, community action on the local level is having an impact. Across the country, regional city councils are examining what they can do to adapt to a warming climate, address the health effects of pollution and to make their communities more resilient.

Glasgow the city of our times (2021) by Glasgow City CouncilUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Local Government Association

Proud host city of COP26. Glasgow is a city transformed, a city that continues to embrace change. A vibrant outward-looking city playing its part on the international stage. Continuing the transition to a more sustainable city, Glasgow draws on its spirit of innovation and social justice to drive to build better lives and better places for all its citizens. Building a cleaner, greener and fairer future for all.

Local Government Association

Leeds City Council has created the country's largest flood alleviation scheme. Jonathan Moxon, Flood Risk Manager at Leeds City Council, explains why such a vital scheme was introduced there.

Local Government Association

Oxford City Council introduced the country's first zero emission zone after finding breaches of local air pollution levels. Mai Jarvis, Environmental Quality Leader at Oxford City Council, explains how this was achieved and what the impact has been since the introduction of the zone.

Youth communities are also taking a stand against climate change, determined to protect their future and the future of the planet. Around the world, the Scouts are on a mission to mobilise youth to take action.

Make a #PromiseToThePlanet today (2021-06-23) by WOSMUnited Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

The Scouts

Scouts is where young people make new friends, have amazing adventures, and learn new skills. Every week we give almost half a million 4-25 year olds the skills they need for school, college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge and the big dreams: the skills they need for life.

Take stand. Make a promise.United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26

Everyone’s welcome here. All genders, races and backgrounds. Regardless of physical ability – there’s a Scout adventure out there waiting. For over 100 years our young people have helped leave the world a little better than they found it, never afraid to tackle the big issues of our time and climate change is no exception. Through #PromiseToThePlanet 57 million Scouts are taking a stand.

Credits: Story

With thanks to our contributors:
CRIS Alliance
AIDESEP
Rescue Rainforest with Watch Doc and film by Dandhy Dwi Laksono, Indra Jati
Local Government Association
The Scouts


The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views and opinions of the UN Climate Change Conference COP26. The mere appearance of the story on this website does not constitute an endorsement by the UN Climate Change Conference COP26. The UN Climate Change Conference COP26 does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of third party material included in the story featured.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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