As the world gears up for the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, it is important to recognize the role that traditional and indigenous communities have had and continue to have in conservation efforts.  The Alianza Mesoamerican de Pueblos y Bosques, COICA, and other organizations recently released a study indicating that over 20% of tropical forests are within indigenous territories.  As someone who strongly believes in inclusive conservation that respects and recognizes community rights, the ever-increasing evidence of the need for consultative, well-managed processes to design and implement climate and conservation initiatives is both welcome and unsurprising.  For my writings on the legal requirements for such consultation, see here.  For more on the recent study, see this press release.