Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace

Bringing Indigenous approaches to the forefronts of conflict transformation and conservation planning

Initiative level: National & International Impact

Project Summary

Delivered by the University for Peace (Costa Rica) in partnership with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, the Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace examines the intersection of Indigenous-led conservation, climate resilience, and conflict transformation, highlighting governance models rooted in Indigenous worldviews and Ethical Space.

The new certificate program offers a transformative learning journey, building the skills students require to address today's most complex global challenges.

Examples of Indigenous-led land governance models from around the world will be highlighted, such as Salween Peace Park in Burma and Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in Canada.  The Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks’ governance model employs the Nuu-chah-nulth philosophy, hishuk’ish tsawalkwhich translates to everything is one, and everything is interconnected”. This program will bring Indigenous approaches to the forefront of conflict transformation and conservation planning.

The certificate program includes 2- or 3-week in-person intensive courses. Other courses are a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online sessions. 

Registration is now open with a deadline of October 15, 2025.

The course will begin in January 2026.

National & International Impact

Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace

IISAAK Olam's Role

Program co-design and co-development, course delivery.

Timeline

Registration is now open. Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2025.

Where it's at now

Applications are now being accepted by the University for Peace. The certificate program begins in January of 2026.

Some courses are structured as 2- or 3-week in-person intensive courses. Other courses are a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online sessions.

To learn more and apply, visit the certificate program page of the University for Peace.

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