Indicator SOC1.7.1 Proportion of population with free access to traditional lands, forest and marine resources

The “Proportion of population with free access to traditional lands, forest, and marine resources” is an indicator that measures the percentage or fraction of a population that enjoys unrestricted access to ancestral or traditional lands, forests, and marine resources without any legal, economic, or social barriers.

This indicator aims to capture the level of access and rights that indigenous peoples, local communities, or specific cultural groups have to their traditional territories and the natural resources within them. It focuses on the concept of free access, meaning that individuals or communities can utilize these resources for various purposes, such as sustenance, livelihoods, cultural practices, and spiritual or ceremonial activities.

Here are the key elements of this indicator:

1. Traditional lands: This refers to the territories or areas that are traditionally owned, occupied, or used by indigenous peoples or local communities. These lands hold cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for these groups, and they often have deep connections to the surrounding ecosystems and resources.

2. Forest resources: This includes the unrestricted access to forests and their resources, such as timber, non-timber forest products (e.g., medicinal plants, fruits, nuts), and ecosystem services (e.g., water regulation, carbon sequestration). It recognizes the importance of forests in providing livelihood opportunities and supporting cultural practices.

3. Marine resources: This encompasses the unrestricted access to marine environments, including coastlines, seas, and oceans, along with their associated resources. It includes access to fish stocks, shellfish, marine plants, and other marine-based resources that support the livelihoods and cultural practices of coastal or fishing communities.

The indicator “Proportion of population with free access to traditional lands, forest, and marine resources” measures the percentage or fraction of a population that has unrestricted rights and ability to access and utilize their ancestral or traditional lands, forests, and marine resources. It focuses on indigenous peoples, local communities, or specific cultural groups and aims to evaluate their level of access without legal, economic, or social barriers. The indicator recognizes the significance of these resources for sustenance, livelihoods, cultural practices, and spiritual activities. Monitoring changes in this indicator helps assess the recognition of indigenous rights, land tenure systems, and the sustainability of traditional resource management.

National, province, region, sex

Monitoring the changes in this indicator helps assess the level of recognition and protection of indigenous rights, land tenure systems, and the cultural and environmental sustainability of traditional resource management practices. It informs policy and decision-making processes related to land and resource governance, conservation, and the promotion of indigenous rights and local community empowerment.

number of people with free access to traditional lands, forest, and marine resources divide by the total sample population surveyed then multiplied by 100 to find the percentage value

11.4 11.4.1 (Tier 3)

Percentage (%)

NSDP Survey - 5 Years