Significant shift at COP16: Indigenous groups and local communities secure a perpetual position in biodiversity policy formulation
In a significant move towards recognizing the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation, the newly-approved Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) (SB8j) has been established under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
This permanent body, which formally integrates these communities into the global biodiversity decision-making process, is unique among UN processes. It provides a dedicated, permanent space for Indigenous Peoples and local communities to work together with Parties and other organizations, applying and promoting traditional knowledge in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The SB8j recognizes the vital contributions of Traditional Knowledge to the success of the Global Biodiversity Framework. It will focus on the implementation of relevant provisions of the CBD related to Indigenous Peoples, support the development of policies and programs in cooperation with these communities, and facilitate engagement and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
This institutionalized, permanent platform specifically addresses the application of Article 8(j) — which relates to the respect, preservation, and maintenance of traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities relevant for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) is celebrating this approval, marking an important step in operationalizing the Kunming-Montreal GBF’s goals and targets by providing a dedicated mechanism that ensures Indigenous rights and knowledge systems are respected and integrated.
The continued existence of the Ad-Hoc Working Group on 8j (WG8j), and now the creation of a permanent one, signifies the ongoing importance of the knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation.
The IIFB, who have been engaging in the CBD for over two decades, is particularly excited about this development. Viviana Figueroa from IIFB states that the approval of SB8j is a huge progress because the Convention is a legally binding instrument for parties. John Locke adds that the event's impact will resonate around the world.
Adamu Adija of the IIFB expresses excitement about the step forward in recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Lakpa Nuri Sherpa, Co-chair of the IIFB, concludes that COP16 was a "People's COP," heeding the voices of those on the frontlines who nurture and protect the planet's biodiverse regions.
Moreover, biodiversity is declining less rapidly on the lands cared for by Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Governments need to listen to, and work with, these communities who are already living in peace with the natural world to achieve the CBD goal of living in harmony with nature.
In essence, the SB8j serves as the institutional cornerstone to uphold and advance the rights and roles of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in achieving biodiversity conservation and sustainable use objectives under the GBF. The establishment of this body is a historic win for the IIFB and a significant step towards ensuring the protection and progress of Indigenous Peoples and local community rights, both at the international and national levels.
[1] Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) [2] Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) [3] Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity
- The new Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) (SB8j) under the CBD and GBF, which is a unique UN process, will focus on implementing relevant provisions of the CBD related to Indigenous Peoples and support the development of policies and programs in cooperation with these communities.
- The SB8j, a permanent platform that addresses the application of Article 8(j) of the CBD, recognizes the vital contributions of Traditional Knowledge to the success of the Global Biodiversity Framework and aims to facilitate engagement and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
- The establishment of SB8j is a historic win for the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) and a significant step towards ensuring the protection and progress of Indigenous Peoples and local community rights, both at the international and national levels, as biodiversity declines less rapidly on the lands cared for by these communities.
