Headline: COP16 Opens Door for Indigenous Voices in Biodiversity Action
As the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) draws to a close in Cali, Colombia, UN negotiators have acknowledged the critical role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the fight against biodiversity loss. However, Indigenous leaders from some of the world’s most biodiverse regions deem this recognition insufficient, urging the establishment of a dedicated subsidiary body to enhance their influence in shaping the global biodiversity framework.
Key Developments on Indigenous Rights at COP16
The conference focused heavily on the need for inclusive decision-making regarding biodiversity preservation, a sentiment echoed by officials, scientists, and leaders across national delegations. COP negotiators have taken a preliminary step by adopting a programme of work pertaining to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, yet they have not approved a mechanism to facilitate deeper participation in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Joseph Itongwa, Coordinator of the Network of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems (REPALEF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated, “We welcome this first step in recognition of our role in protecting most of what remains of biodiversity, but there is still much work to be done before we have a level playing field.”
Support from Global Leaders
Throughout the conference, leading scientists and over 16 national governments voiced their support for the establishment of this essential subsidiary body. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized Indigenous Peoples as “guardians of our nature,” underscoring their traditional knowledge as vital for biodiversity conservation. Guterres emphasized the need to ensure that Indigenous voices are integral to policy-making processes, stating, “Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it.”
Indigenous Leaders Demand Action
Indigenous leaders, including Cristiane Julião from the Pankararu people of Brazil, urged COP negotiators to act on compelling evidence that shows Indigenous communities are crucial in addressing interconnected global crises such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Julião warned, “If our rights are not strongly defended in every relevant target of the biodiversity framework, our people will be kicked off our lands to benefit powerful interests seeking to enrich themselves.”
Dinamam Tuxá, a prominent Indigenous leader and lawyer, voiced concerns about funding for green solutions, noting the historical precedence of displacement due to development projects. “There can be no funding to promote so-called green solutions if they do not respect our rights,” Tuxá remarked.
Navigating Genetic Resource Management
Concerns around the use of genetic resources, particularly in the context of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and its benefits, are high on the agenda for many Indigenous leaders at COP16. Julião stated, “Indigenous people are not opposed to DSI, but we must be properly briefed. The management of our traditional knowledge must align with our values.”
Inclusion of Indigenous Communities in Conservation Efforts
A 2020 paper commissioned by the High Ambition Coalition revealed that expanding protected areas to cover 30% of the Earth’s surface by 2030 would require recognizing significant Indigenous land rights. “Communities occupying those lands must be involved in the decision-making processes about whether an area should be formally protected,” Oswaldo Muca Castillo, general coordinator of OPIAC, highlighted.
The absence of explicit protections for Indigenous communities in the current targets of the Convention is a pressing concern. Castillo continued, “You can’t talk about us as the best protectors and then exclude our role and our rights from the agreement.”
The Call for Broader Recognition
Indigenous leaders from diverse regions have collectively called for the integration of community rights and participation in all relevant biodiversity targets. “States cannot achieve the biodiversity goals they have set forth without respecting Indigenous rights,” cautioned Monica Ndoen, an indigenous woman leader from Indonesia.
Kleber Karipuna, another Indigenous leader from Brazil, asserted, “Indigenous lands store the most carbon and host some of the world’s richest biodiversity. For our roles to be effective, our rights must be respected.”
The Importance of Indigenous Presence
During the conference proceedings, Itongwa made a compelling appeal to public health experts to connect land rights with health solutions. “We are ready to be of service,” he remarked, emphasizing that protecting forests plays a crucial role in combating both climate change and biodiversity loss, with implications for global health.
Engage with the Dialogue
The discussions at COP16 underscore a pivotal moment for Indigenous rights and biodiversity conservation. While there has been some recognition, the call for a subsidiary body to facilitate deeper participation remains a pressing demand from Indigenous leaders.
As this global dialogue continues, the need for robust frameworks to ensure Indigenous communities are integral to biodiversity management has never been more critical. The conversations held in Cali will likely set the stage for future negotiations, with significant implications for both local communities and the health of our planet.
For further reading on how Indigenous knowledge contributes to biodiversity, visit this article on traditional ecological knowledge. To learn more about the United Nations’ role in biodiversity conservation, check out this insightful piece on the Convention on Biological Diversity.
We invite you to share your thoughts on how Indigenous leadership can shape our approach to biodiversity in the comments below!
