By Zoila Palma: On June 8, 2026, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) commenced its first set of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) trainings, marking an important step toward strengthening awareness and understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and community engagement processes in Belize.
SATIIM welcomed representatives from several partner and stakeholder organizations, including Humana People to People, Ya’axché Conservation Trust, the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) at National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Office, and the University of Belize, among other attendees.
Facilitating the sessions was Gregory Ch’oc, Attorney-at-Law, who delivered comprehensive presentations on the legal basis of the Maya FPIC Protocol, as well as the core concepts, principles, and stages of the FPIC process.
Participants gained valuable insight into the importance of ensuring that Indigenous communities are adequately informed and meaningfully engaged in decisions that may affect their lands, territories, resources, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
SATIIM noted that through the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of FPIC, the importance of protecting customary land rights, and ensuring meaningful community participation in decision-making.
The post Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management commences Free, Prior and Informed Consent trainings appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: On June 8, 2026, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) commenced its first set of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) trainings, marking an important step toward strengthening awareness and understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and community engagement processes in Belize. SATIIM welcomed representatives from several partner and stakeholder organizations,
The post Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management commences Free, Prior and Informed Consent trainings appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
