Pingo's Forum

AN INDIGENOUS-LED NON-PROFIT

“Anything about us,
without us, is against us.“

An Indigenous-led umbrella of over 53 member CSOs across Tanzania.

Who we are?

The Pastoralists Indigenous Non-Governmental Organizations Forum (PINGOs Forum), founded in 1994 and registered in 1996, is Tanzania’s leading Indigenous Peoples rights coalition. With a network of over 53 civil society organizations, the PINGOs Forum is a dynamic national platform advocating for the rights and self-determination of pastoralists, hunter-gatherers, and other Indigenous communities.

Indigenous

Indigenous means different things to different cultures. We appreciate Tyson Yunkaporta’s definition.

“An Indigenous person is a member of a community retaining
memories of life lived sustainably on a land-base, as part of that land-
base. Indigenous Knowledge is any application of those memories as living
knowledge to improve present and future circumstances.”

What Guides us?

Passion

Commitment to justice for Indigenous Peoples.

Integrity

Acting with fairness, honesty, and accountability.

Non-Partisan

Open to all who share our vision of equality and peace.

Growth

Always learning and evolving as challenges change.

Openness

Valuing transparency, collaboration, and diversity of thought.

Security

Safeguarding our people, partners, and communities.

Why We Exist

We exist to connect the voices of Indigenous peoples to the spaces where decisions are made. By confronting systemic discrimination, promoting climate justice, and preserving culture, we help build inclusive governance and stronger communities.

Global Leadership

We are leading in international spaces to ensure Indigenous voices are heard. Our Executive Director, Edward Porokwa, has been appointed to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), serving a three-year term from January 2026 as Africa’s representative.

With more than 20 years of advocacy experience, Edward continues to champion land rights, cultural preservation, and policies that respect Indigenous knowledge and leadership. His appointment reflects not only personal dedication but also the collective strength of Indigenous Peoples and organizations across Tanzania and the continent.

Championing Indigenous-Led Funds

PINGOs Forum believes justice for Indigenous Peoples must be led by Indigenous voices. As co-founders of the Ereto Solidarity Fund—a Maa word meaning “solidarity”—we’re advancing a model that empowers communities to protect their lands, culture, and future. Ereto supports Indigenous-led conservation, legal defense, and grassroots initiatives rooted in traditional knowledge and self-determination.

Upcoming Events

CLIMATE CHANGE

Belém, Brazil

21 Nov, 2025

PINGO’s Forum at COP30: Elevating Indigenous Voices for Climate Justice

At COP30 in Belém, we’ll stand with Tanzania’s Indigenous communities to turn knowledge into action…

JOIN EVENT

Global Climate Action

Our work on climate justice is also reflected in international spaces. Mr. Gideon Sanago, PINGOs Forum’s Climate Change Coordinator, serves as a Board Member of the Santiago Network under the Paris Agreement.

The Santiago Network brings together countries, organizations, and experts to provide technical assistance for addressing loss and damage caused by climate change. Through this role, PINGOs Forum helps ensure that Indigenous perspectives from Tanzania are included in shaping global climate solutions.

Indigenous People Reached

10000 +

Community-led climate initiatives supported

0 +

Landmark legal cases supported

0 +

Indigenous women and youth empowered

500 +

Community Research Studies Produced

0 +

International Networks Engaged