Cadasta Foundation is joining the Better Deal for Data (BD4D) initiative, a global coalition of organizations and advocates working to ensure that communities’ data is protected, used for their benefit, and never exploited. Spearheaded by Tech Matters, BD4D is developing a set of draft commitments through a collaborative process, bringing together voices across sectors to share responsible, inclusive, and community-centered data governance. 

Cadasta’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to safeguarding land and resource rights data–particularly for Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, and local communities who depend on secure tenure for their livelihoods, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. The misuse of this data can lead to serious risks, from displacement to loss of sovereignty. By engaging in BD4D, we are working alongside others to define best practices that ensure land data serves as a tool for security and empowerment, rather than exploitation. 

The Better Deal for Data is not a fixed framework, but a growing movement of partners advocating for policies and practices that: 

• Keep community land data safe and under local control;
• Promote transparency and accountability in data use;
• Prevent harmful exploitation of sensitive information; and
• Leverage technology to support tenure security and climate resilience. 

As part of this effort, Cadasta will contribute to the ongoing development of BD4D’s principles, integrating them into our land mapping and documentation projects, training, and advocacy while collaborating with others to drive systemic change in land and data governance. We recognize this is an evolving conversation and are committed to standing with our partners in shaping a more ethical approach to data stewardship. 

For more information about Cadasta’s work and its commitment to responsible data use, visit www.cadasta.org.