Protecting Tenure Rights: Lessons from Land, Forest, and Fisheries

The session centered on safeguarding tenure rights across land, forests, and fisheries, emphasizing their importance in ensuring equitable access to resources amid climate change. The discussion was anchored by an analysis of the Voluntary Guidelines on Land, Forests, and Fisheries Tenure, illustrating how a tenure-based approach can enhance resource access and resilience for vulnerable communities. A key aspect of the session was the presentation of water tenure strategies, showcasing global evidence on how these approaches can improve water access for smallholders, women, marginalized groups, and ecosystems. Video testimonials provided concrete examples of successful interventions. Additionally, a keynote address highlighted the critical relationship between water tenure, food security, and climate adaptation, advocating for a global dialogue to address these interconnected challenges. The roundtable discussion, featuring audience interaction, identified principles for responsible governance of water tenure, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability. The session concluded by sharing insights from the roundtable and issuing a call for broader participation in the Global Dialogue, underlining the need for continued engagement to strengthen tenure rights as a foundation for both environmental stewardship and social equity in a changing climate.


This resource has been made available by the organizers of the World Bank Land Conference under the following disclaimer.