ICCAs are natural or modified ecosystems containing significant biodiversity values, ecological services and cultural values, voluntarily managed indigenous communities through customary laws and other effective means. ICCAs are a diverse group of initiatives known collectively as indigenous peoples’ and community conserved territories and areas.
ICCAs have increasingly been recognized as significant sites and initiatives of biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. ICCAs are embedded both in the rights of indigenous peoples’to their territories, self-determination, cultural identity, human rights and other aspects. Their traditional knowledge, skills and customs embody conservation and sustainable use in ways that modern society may learn from. Their contribution should be given important specially in the achievement of the Aichi Targets .
**********Source for Further Reading**********