Latest ECO issue

Indigenous Peoples Defend the Trees of Life, Oppose GM Trees of Death

“Many Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge systems, crucial for biodiversity, as enshrined in Article 8J, celebrate the sacredness of trees. In addition to being a source of food, shelter and medicine, for many Indigenous Peoples, trees are living beings with spiritual significance and deep ancestral connections. The 2008 CBD COP 9 Decision IX/5 mandates the precautionary approach to genetically modified trees. Unfortunately, pulp company Suzano (and its subsidiary FuturaGene) has received permission to release several varieties of genetically modified eucalyptus trees for commercial production. Gene-edited GM trees are also being developed. The commercial release of GM/gene edited trees would worsen the already devastating impacts of industrial plantations on global biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. We call on all Parties to fully implement the CBD’s 2008 decision and stop all GM trees.”  - Anne Petermann, Campaign to STOP GE Trees ...

Stop harmful biodiversity finance and turn it into direct finance for biodiversity stewards

Mirna Ines Fernandez (Third World Network) and Heitor Dellasta (Global Youth Biodiversity Network) - Target 19 of the KMGBF calls for the increase of financial resources from all levels, among others, through labelled “innovative” financial schemes, such as payment for ecosystem services, green bonds, biodiversity offsets and credits, with environmental and social safeguards. However, evidence shows that a decade of experience with these mechanisms has failed to meet the scale and pace requirements of biodiversity finance. In many cases, these schemes resulted in negative impacts on ecosystems and their stewards, especially Indigenous Peoples and local communities, including the displacement of these groups and the violation of customary rights, without effectively reaching the communities on the ground. ...