As representatives of the South Rupununi District Council we will share the Wapichan people’s vision for territorial protection and highlight how our collective territorial management - including headwater protection and a dedicated 1.6 million ha community conserved forest - constitute a key contribution to global climate mitigation efforts. Aside from its significant cultural and spiritual value, our territory serves as an important ecological bridge between the forests of the Guiana Shield and the Amazon basin – two of the most biodiverse, carbon rich and intact forests in the world.