Shaping the future by advocating for Indigenous voices on the international stage

We are proud to share that Titus Letaapo – The Sarara Foundation’s highly regarded Director of Community and a respected leader within Northern Kenya’s indigenous Samburu community – was invited to deliver a speech at the prestigious 2023 GEO conference in Cape Town this November. Apart from being a key speaker and panellist at the conference, Titus was also as a co-founder of the influential GEO Indigenous Alliance.

Focusing on the crucial GEO Post-2025 Strategy, his talk and panel involvement centred on the essential integration of equity within the GEO 2025 Strategy – underscoring the significant role played by the GEO Indigenous Alliance and the importance of adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Titus highlighted the important role Indigenous Peoples play in preserving up to 80% of the world's biodiversity. He emphasised the significance of recognising the contributions of the GEO Indigenous Alliance; the potential risks associated with data misuse; the necessity of adhering to free, prior, and informed consent procedures; and the need for acknowledging the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

As a visionary co-founder of the GEO Indigenous Alliance, Titus has been instrumental in championing a comprehensive approach to conservation. The Alliance, which is led by Indigenous voices, is dedicated to empowering Indigenous and underrepresented communities. It uniquely blends traditional knowledge with modern geospatial technology to protect our natural heritage and ensure the continued cultural richness of biodiversity.

Furthermore, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) recognised the critical role of the GEO Indigenous Alliance in integrating Indigenous perspectives into international dialogues. This acknowledgement highlights the global impact of the work of the Alliance, as well as Titus's tireless advocacy for Indigenous rights and environmental conservation.

What is GEO? 

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO), which was established in 2005, is a voluntary partnership among governments, international and national organisations, and the private sector. It focuses on improving the availability, access, and use of Earth observations (EO) for the sustainable management of Earth’s natural resources. The GEO has been pivotal in facilitating open access to data, developing services, and enhancing the use of Earth observations for societal benefits.

For more information on the GEO, visit earthobservations.org – and for information on the GEO Indigenous Alliance which Titus co-founded, visit geoindigenousalliance.com