No rights, No biodiversity: Why Indigenous Peoples are Central to Conservation

by Cultural Survival - Biodiversity thrives in forests, rivers, mountains, and seas that Indigenous Peoples have stewarded across generations. For us, caring for biodiversity is not a policy choice; it is who we are. Therefore, protecting biodiversity is  inseparable from protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Our cosmovisions, lifeways, and cultures emerge from our relationships to Mother Earth and a deep sense of responsibility to care for the ecosystems we all depend on. Yet, our ability to steward ecosystems depends on maintaining our lifeways, ceremonies, economies, and tenure systems.

Biodiversity Finance: Deliver your promises

Theiva Lingam (Sahabat Alam Malaysia – Friends of the Earth Malaysia) - At COP17, a central debate has emerged over biodiversity finance. Developing countries argue that before discussing new contributors, developed countries must fulfil their mandatory financial commitments under the Convention. The concern is straightforward: The global biodiversity finance system is failing to provide the scale of support needed to achieve the KMGBF. Biodiversity-rich developing countries are expected to safeguard much of the world’s biodiversity while facing debt burdens, climate impacts and limited fiscal space. 

“Trust will be the TFFF's most valuable asset.”  So where are its investment safeguards?

Tom Picken (Rainforest Action Network) - There was a celebratory mood at Monday's TFFF event at COP17, with references to Brazil's election result greeted by loud applause. The Netherlands added to the momentum, announcing plans to contribute up to US$500 million over ten years to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). “Trust will be the TFFF's most valuable asset,” stated Luxembourg's environment minister, Serge Wilmes. Luxembourg will host the Tropical Forest Investment Fund (TFIF), the TFFF's investment arm.

How the IPBES assessments can speed up the KMGBF

Nathalie Rutz (Pro Natura/Friends of the Earth Switzerland) -  In the past two years IPBES has approved three major assessments, which offer practical guidance on how to achieve KMGBF  targets 14 (integrate biodiversity in decision-making), 15 (business assessment and disclosure), 16 (sustainable consumption) and 18 (harmful subsidies). 

How many lobbyists are there at COP 17?

Helena Paul (Econexus) - Industry lobbying at the CBD is aimed at preven-ting action that might threaten corporate profits. In 2024, At COP 16 there were twice as many industry lobbyists as at COP 15 and in some cases industry lobbyists outnumbered national delegates.