A Holistic Strategy for Self-Determined Development
FISTCOP’s integrated strategy empowers Indigenous Peoples by recognizing the deep connection between land, livelihood, and culture. Through our three pillars—rights protection, economic development, and cooperative movements—our community-driven work transforms the promise of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) into a lived reality.
IP Rights Protection
FISTCOP operationalizes the comprehensive legal framework of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) to safeguard the fundamental rights and ancestral domains of IP communities. We provide crucial legal and technical support for securing land titles (CADT/CALT), ensure the right to Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) is genuinely upheld, and strengthen community-based justice systems through paralegal training and the documentation of customary laws. Our goal is to empower IPs to independently and effectively assert their legally enshrined rights.
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Economic Development & Livelihood
FISTCOP works to improve the living conditions of IP members by countering historical economic and social marginalization. We support the establishment of culturally appropriate, sustainable livelihoods, including regenerative agriculture, traditional craft industries, and community-based eco-tourism. By integrating indigenous knowledge and building direct market linkages, we help communities achieve economic self-reliance while reinforcing their cultural and ecological foundations.
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Cooperative Movements
We facilitate the creation and growth of IP-led cooperatives, which serve as practical vehicles for promoting self-reliance and achieving social and economic justice. FISTCOP provides technical assistance for cooperative formation, registration, and management, helping communities integrate their unique Indigenous Traditions, Customs, Knowledge Systems, and Practices (ITCKSP) into their legal frameworks. Our goal is to empower IP communities to harness their collective resources, like land and traditional knowledge, for sustainable development.