The year 2015 ended with a Climate agreement in Paris despite the terror attacks that rocked the city. In this issue of Voices, we begin in Paris with an analysis of the new climate agreement which aims to progress where the Kyoto protocol failed – to stem emissions, saving life on this planet as we know it. It is hoped that the analysis can help demystify this ambitious agreement.

Earlier this year, NTFP-EP and its partners Asian Farmers Association (AFA)  and Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) collaborated during FAO’s Asia Pacific Forestry Week (APFW) to present Community Forestry –focused sessions. From page 6-7 we share the highlights of benefit sharing sessions, while on page 13 we share our research on the importance of forest products in the beauty sector. Intergalactic movie star, Daisy Ridley,  tries out her own turmeric face mask on page 16.

On page 8 we share the results of a workshop on the Malaysian Kadazan indigenous tagal system of forest conservation. During this workshop, Malaysian partners propose a policy framework to support and conserve this tagal  tradition. A feature on the forum on issues, challenges and opportunities in resin in the region can also be found on the same page.

Sacred areas are also the discussion point for youth in Maharashtra, India on page 14. Local youth, alarmed by the situation of ecological destruction in their village, embark on a transect walk  to generate lists of animals, plants and insects gone due to habitat loss. In relation to sacred spaces, 10 ICCAs in the Philippines secure funding to protect their areas.

In Indonesian Borneo, the battle to save forests takes shape through income incentives in handicraft sales. In April, partners behind the brand Borneo Chic  celebrate 5 years  since its release. Artisans, beauty queens, retailers and government supporters came to join the celebration (Page 10-11).

Videos and publications of the past months end our issue with information on global climate legislation, opportunities for small enterprise and stories of ecosystem service incentives.