Equitable Origin and CRIPX Sign Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Indigenous Rights in Mexico

April 2020 Mexico - Equitable Origin and the indigenous organization The Consejo Regional y Popular de Xpujil (CRIPX) signed a Cooperation Agreement to support indigenous rights in Mexico. The partnership will help Equitable Origin implement the Center for Strengthening Indigenous Rights (Resource Hub) which we are developing in partnership with the Coordinadora de las Organizaciones Indígenas de la Cuenca Amazónica (COICA).

CRIPX is an intercultural organization that works actively in the State of Campeche, in the Calakmul region. CRIPX has a gender-based approach that is grounded in universal values and strives for participatory democracy, autonomy and comprehensive management of natural resources. CRIPX supports the management and realization of holistic projects for sustainable livelihoods through the evaluation and strengthening of local capacities and traditional knowledge. CRIPX works with 18 communities and has an area of influence of 24 communities, with approximately 800 members.

Both organizations are committed to working on initiatives that promote knowledge of the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). These include:

• Providing technical and intercultural assistance in coordination with key actors to support implementation of the Rights & Resources Hub.

• Conducting workshops on FPIC.

• Sharing information relevant to FPIC in Mexico and Mesoamerica.

• Promoting the FPIC360° tool in the region.

• Technical and intercultural support for the development of joint activities.

During 2020, Equitable Origin and CRIPX plan on convening two workshops in the Yucatán Peninsula (Yucatán and Campeche) which will include the participation of indigenous leaders interested in deepening their knowledge of FPIC procedures and their rights.

*Workshops will be subject to public health directives and guidelines to ensure the safety of participants is prioritized.*