Glossary - MSCA Mother Earth Project

This booklet is a deliverable within the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Project, “Mother Earth: The Impact of Human-Induced Environmental Degradation on the Cultural Rights of Indigenous and Afro-Indigenous Peoples” (Grant Agreement No. 101110520). It presents a glossary designed to support understanding of key words and concepts used throughout the project. Many of these terms can be complex, context-specific, or understood differently across cultures, societies, and legal systems. The definitions provided here reflect the conceptual framework that guided the use of these terms within this project, while acknowledging that communities may hold their own understandings based on their experience. The glossary uses international law as a starting point for defining concepts and focuses on four core terms: Indigenous Peoples; Maroon Communities/Afro-descendant Communities; Environmental Degradation; and Cultural Rights, including discussions on biocultural rights and a bio-sociocultural approach. This booklet offers tentative definitions intended as a starting point to guide discussion, support awareness of rights, and assist communities, advocates, and researchers in efforts to protect lands, cultures, and the environment.Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.