Indigenous-led bioeconomies provide sustainable livelihoods that reduce dependence on economies based on social and environmental exploitation. By producing, processing and marketing organic and forest-friendly products, Indigenous communities regain confidence and dignity, while gaining financial security in a changing world.

Strengthening the self-empowerment of Indigenous women, who are often at the forefront of practicing and modeling traditional and regenerative agriculture, increases their decision-making power and economic independence. This transformation not only increases gender equality and women’s self-esteem and social recognition, but also builds long-term community resilience.

By revitalizing traditional Indigenous knowledge and reclaiming their expertise and sense of agency, communities rediscover their cultural heritage, customs and identity. This process, driven by dialogue, accompaniment and collective recollection and memory of traditional practices and native seeds, ensures the survival of important cultural practices, plants and sites that are closely linked to ecosystem and cultural revitalization.

By protecting and diversifying the use of native plants and seeds, and by processing and adding value to forest-based products, Indigenous and rural families are enriching biodiversity and creating new opportunities for viable economic alternatives to harmful activities such as deforestation, logging and mining.

Economic empowerment enables the formation of women’s and community groups and organizations in which Indigenous peoples discuss common challenges and mobilize for regenerative practices, land rights and political recognition, further strengthening their autonomy, stewardship and governance over their ancestral territories.