HRH Prince of Wales Leads Roundtable Discussion the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting nature
Prince William convened a high-level roundtable at St James’s Palace this morning, bringing together government leaders and Indigenous representatives to discuss the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting nature ahead of Cop30. The event, titled Nature’s Guardians: On the Road to Cop30 & Beyond, was organised by United for Wildlife in partnership with Earthshot as part of London Climate Action Week. The discussion dovetails with the upcoming release of the final episode of William’s docuseries, Guardians. It focuses on the work of wildlife rangers and others who commit themselves to protecting endangered species and the environment around them.
HRH Prince William’s roundtable discussion at St. James’s Palace during London’s Climate Action Week exemplified his unwavering commitment to addressing pressing global environmental challenges. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including political leaders, philanthropic organizations, and Indigenous representatives, with the shared goal of advancing innovative solutions to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. By focusing on the invaluable role of Indigenous peoples, whose practices help steward nearly 80% of the planet’s biodiversity, the roundtable sought to amplify their voices and integrate their knowledge into global environmental strategies.
The discussion emphasised the urgency of collective action. Prince William, in his opening remarks, highlighted Indigenous stewardship as a “force for conservation,” underscoring the need to respect and learn from their sustainable practices. Through a series of panel discussions and collaborative workshops, attendees explored practical solutions for resource mobilization, innovative technologies, and policy reform. The gathering served as a platform to build partnerships and inspire pledges of resources and expertise aimed at creating measurable impact in conservation and climate resilience.
During the roundtable event at St. James’s Palace on June 26, 2025, Prince William was presented with a traditional necklace by Indigenous leaders. This gesture was part of the cultural exchange during the high-level roundtable titled “Nature’s Guardians: On the Road to COP30 & Beyond,” held as part of London’s Climate Action Week. The necklace was a symbol of respect and solidarity, reflecting the deep connection between Indigenous communities and the natural world. The Prince graciously accepted the gift, which was placed around his neck during the event. This moment underscored the collaborative spirit of the gathering and highlighted the importance of Indigenous knowledge in global conservation efforts.
This event also reflected Prince William’s dedication to his United for Wildlife initiative, which continues to champion the fight against illegal wildlife trade while promoting broader environmental and conservation goals. The roundtable marked another step in his vision of forging meaningful alliances that bridge traditional knowledge and modern frameworks. By convening such an influential group, the Prince of Wales reaffirmed his commitment to empowering communities, fostering collaboration, and driving tangible progress for the health and sustainability of the planet.
