Land
Effective land and resource governance can help mitigate the impacts of climate change by promoting careful management, restoration, and stewardship of land, resources, and ecosystems. Secure land tenure also can encourage individuals and communities to adopt climate change adaptation and resilience practices. USAID recognizes the importance of promoting equitable and inclusive systems of land governance to ensure that women and vulnerable populations have a clear pathway to obtain secure land rights. The Agency also is committed to partnering with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, who own or manage more than a quarter of the world's lands, to protect and secure their tenure and enable them to lead on climate action. USAID's Climate Strategy and the USAID Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples guide the Agency's efforts to protect natural ecosystems, empower Indigenous Peoples, and support effective land governance systems for climate resilience.