Policy on Engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

Our Commitment to Communities

At Ennovation, we are dedicated to fostering respectful and beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Our Policy on Engagement underscores our commitment to ethical collaboration, ensuring that our Mangrove Restoration and Plantation Projects not only support environmental sustainability but also enrich the social and economic well-being of local communities. We engage communities through informed consent, participatory planning, and equitable benefit-sharing, aiming to enhance local livelihoods and uphold cultural integrity in all our endeavors.

Please read below for more detailed information regarding Ennovation's IPLC Policy. Feel free to visit our Social-Impact's tourism endeavor called: Magic South

Visit Magic South

Purpose

This policy outlines Ennovation’s commitment to responsibly and ethically engage with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in all aspects of our Mangrove Restoration and Plantation Projects. We aim to ensure that our activities not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also to the social and economic well-being of the local communities with whom we work.

Principles

Our engagement with IPLCs is guided by the following principles:

Respect for Rights and Cultures: Recognizing and respecting the rights, histories, cultures, languages, traditions, and laws of the IPLCs.
Informed Consent: Ensuring free, prior, and informed consent is obtained before initiating any projects in community territories.
Equitable Benefits: Promoting equitable sharing of benefits arising from mangrove restoration and related activities.
Participatory Planning: Involving IPLCs in the planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of projects to align with their environmental and developmental priorities.
Capacity Building: Enhancing IPLCs' capabilities to manage projects and create sustainable livelihoods through training and education.
Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining a transparent approach in all interactions with IPLCs and being accountable for our actions.

Policy Actions

Community Engagement: Establish structured engagement processes to ensure ongoing dialogue with IPLCs. This will include regular community meetings, consultations, and participatory decision-making platforms.
Cultural Sensitivity Training: Provide training for our staff on cultural sensitivity, the historical context, and the rights of the IPLCs to ensure respectful and productive interactions.
Support for Local Livelihoods: Support the development of local livelihoods through initiatives such as:
- Tourism: Developing eco-tourism that respects cultural traditions and promotes local leadership and ownership.
- Fishing: Supporting sustainable fishing practices that benefit from healthy mangrove ecosystems.
- Product Development: Facilitating the development of local products, such as cosmetics and honey, derived from mangroves or associated biodiversity, ensuring that these initiatives are led and managed by local communities.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a community-informed monitoring and evaluation system to assess the impact of projects on IPLCs and adjust practices based on feedback.
Grievance Mechanism: Establish a culturally appropriate and accessible grievance mechanism that allows IPLCs to voice concerns or disputes related to the projects.
Documentation and Reporting: Document all engagements and consent processes with IPLCs and report regularly on project impacts and community benefits.

Implementation

This policy shall be implemented in conjunction with local, national, and international laws and agreements relevant to IPLCs and environmental conservation. Ennovation commits to regular reviews and updates of this policy to adapt to new insights and changing circumstances.