We recognise the 30×30 principles, but believe these can only be adopted and delivered if we endorse an approach that is participatory, inclusive, and which recognises local and indigenous power structures and elevates local and indigenous knowledge.
Our approach must also work towards multi-species justice; enhance and commit to equitable benefit sharing and ensure that our actions move beyond a ‘do no harm’ approach which is outdated. Moreover, no decision about people will be taken without people. This involves participatory planning processes.
It is also important to note that colonialism is having ongoing effects worldwide, particularly in areas we work as WLT. Recognising this is the first step to taking action to change things.
Since producing this statement, WLT has signed up to the United Nations “Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders” which were launched at the end of 2024. WLT is aligned to these principles and in ensuring that partners and projects we support follow these same standards
