The Global Support Initiative to territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCA-GSI) launched its COVID-19 response initiative in late 2020 to support Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in 45 countries to cope with and recover from the impacts of this new challenge. This publication presents diverse examples from around the world on the coping mechanisms and recovery measures employed based on the self-determined priorities of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to address varied site-specific challenges. It also highlights the importance of the inclusion and active participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to effectively address the socio-economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the ever-increasing threats from climate change.

Among the global projects highlighted in this publication is the SGP UNDP project titled "Empowering Local Communities of Qeshm Island on Sharks Marine Community Conserved Areas," implemented by the Persian Gulf Koulikar Institute in Qeshm Island, Iran. This initiative aimed to empower local communities, including fishermen of villages in western part of the island, through training workshops focused on identifying potential marine community conserved areas, sharing indigenous knowledge on sustainable fishing practices, and cataloging shark species in the waters around Qeshm Island.