Global Action. Local Impact. Humanitarian Change

Our participation in international Events has been a powerful catalyst in advancing our humanitarian mission — strengthening advocacy, amplifying indigenous voices, and building meaningful global partnerships for sustainable change.

First Forum of Indigenous and Local Communities in Central Africa and the Congo Basin on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience

From 8–12 May 2023, Indigenous and Local Community leaders, civil society actors, environmental advocates, and institutional stakeholders convened in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, for the First Regional Forum of Indigenous and Local Communities dedicated to biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience in Central Africa and the Congo Basin.

Held under the high patronage of the Ministry of Forest Economy of the Republic of Congo, the forum provided a powerful platform for dialogue, experience-sharing, and collective action. Participants highlighted the central role of Indigenous knowledge systems, community-led conservation practices, and inclusive governance in safeguarding ecosystems and strengthening resilience to climate change across the region.

The forum marked a historic step toward strengthening regional solidarity, amplifying Indigenous voices, and advancing sustainable, people-centred solutions for the protection of the Congo Basin — one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots.

Participation of SURA-MAMA in the Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC)
18–23 July 2023 |

Kigali Convention Center, Rwanda

SURA-MAMA proudly participated in the Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC) held from 18 to 23 July 2023 at the Kigali Convention Center in Rwanda — a landmark continental gathering dedicated to the future of protected and conserved areas in Africa. The congress brought together Indigenous leaders, policymakers, conservation experts, civil society organizations, and development partners to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration around biodiversity protection and community resilience.

Through its participation, SURA-MAMA amplified the voices and lived realities of Mbororo Indigenous women and local communities, highlighting the importance of inclusive conservation approaches that respect human rights, traditional knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods. The event created new opportunities for partnerships, advocacy, and regional cooperation toward a more equitable and community-driven conservation agenda across Africa.

SURA-MAMA’s Participation in Regional Forest and Conservation Dialogues in Libreville Gabon

SURA-MAMA actively participated in the 19th Meeting of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) held in Libreville, Gabon, where key stakeholders gathered to advance regional collaboration on forest governance, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and the meaningful inclusion of indigenous and local communities. During the meeting, SURA-MAMA contributed to important discussions by bringing forward the perspectives and experiences of Mbororo Indigenous women, emphasizing the role of grassroots leadership in protecting natural resources and strengthening climate resilience.

The event served as a strategic platform to reinforce partnerships, exchange knowledge, and advocate for community-centered approaches to sustainable forest management across the Congo Basin region. Through its engagement, SURA-MAMA reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying indigenous women’s voices, promoting environmental justice, and supporting policies that balance conservation priorities with the rights, livelihoods, and cultural heritage of local populations.

SURA-MAMA Participates in AIWO Strategic Planning Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya (19–23 December 2021)

SURA-MAMA proudly took part in the AIWO Strategic Planning Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 19th to 23rd December 2021 — a significant continental gathering that brought together Indigenous women leaders and organizations from across Africa to strengthen collaboration, define shared priorities, and shape a collective vision for the future. The meeting convened representatives from Cameroon, Uganda, Niger, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sudan, Kenya, and South Africa, reflecting the diversity and strength of Indigenous women’s movements across the South, East, West, and Central African regions.

The strategic dialogue focused on building a unified platform that empowers Indigenous women to lead in areas such as environmental protection, community resilience, gender justice, and sustainable development. Through participatory sessions and experience-sharing, participants explored innovative approaches to advocacy, organizational development, and cross-border partnerships that can amplify the voices of marginalized communities at regional and global levels.

During the meeting, SURA-MAMA contributed valuable insights drawn from its grassroots work with Mbororo Indigenous women in Cameroon. The organization highlighted the importance of strengthening local leadership, promoting education and capacity building, and advancing policies that respect indigenous rights while addressing climate challenges affecting pastoralist communities. The exchanges allowed SURA-MAMA to connect with like-minded organizations, build strategic alliances, and learn from successful initiatives implemented in different African contexts.

Beyond strategic discussions, the Nairobi gathering reinforced solidarity among Indigenous women leaders by creating a safe and inspiring space to reflect on shared struggles and achievements. The outcomes of the meeting laid the foundation for future collaborative actions, stronger networks, and a renewed commitment to promoting inclusive leadership and sustainable solutions driven by Indigenous knowledge systems.

SURA-MAMA’s participation in the AIWO Strategic Planning Meeting marked an important milestone in its journey toward regional engagement and movement building. The experience strengthened the organization’s capacity to advocate more effectively for Indigenous women’s rights, biodiversity conservation, and social justice, while positioning it as an active contributor to Africa-wide initiatives that seek to empower communities and protect the continent’s natural heritage.