This is part of our Meet the Organization series–a collection of deep dives into the initiatives receiving larger, dedicated support from Klarna’s 1% pledge, and what they hope to achieve with it.

Initiative: Strategic Response Mechanism, Rights & Resources Initiative

Main focus: Support environmental defenders 

UN Sustainable Development Goals: 15 - Life on Land

Areas of operation: Global

WHY WE GIVE ONE The historic failure of governments to recognize and respect the human, civil, and political rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples, and local communities has led to widespread environmental degradation and violent conflict between communities and external actors threatening their lands and livelihoods. The Rights & Resources Initiative (RRI) is a global coalition of over 150 locally embedded organizations and their allies dedicated to advancing the land and resource rights of Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant peoples, and local communities. RRI leverages the power of its coalition to amplify the voices of local peoples, and proactively engage governments, institutions, and the private sector to adopt reforms that support the realization of these communities’ rights and development. 

HOW WE GIVE ONE Give One is supporting RRI’s Strategic Response Mechanism. When unforeseen threats to Indigenous and community land rights appear, immediate action is often needed to protect their rights effectively and safeguard nature. The Strategic Response Mechanism aims to counter such threats. For example, it may help halt land grabs, by helping local people (particularly women) organize to defend their natural resources or support policy advocacy to shape imminent law reforms. Unfortunately, current international financing rarely comes in the form of rapid funding to seize unforeseen opportunities or address pressing needs. The SRM provides such funding, ensuring that grants of up to 100,000 USD can reach locally embedded networks and organizations in as little as a few weeks. 

MEET AN IMPACTER The people on the ground who are getting support from RRI’s Strategic Response Mechanism vary–it will be based on where the biggest needs are and where the funding can make the most impact. The SRM has supported impacters who are involved in a wide range of initiatives, from advocating for groundbreaking legislation that recognizes community land rights in Liberia to halting the expansion of a palm oil company’s operations on land belonging to the Indigenous community of Santa Clara de Uchunya in the Peruvian Amazon.

Interested in contributing to planet health causes like RRI’s Strategic Response Mechanism? You can donate through our strategic sustainability partner Milkywire.