Isaac Rojas, Friends of the Earth International
The close relationship between Indigenous Peoples and local communities and biodiversity is again recognised in the new 8j work plan, which aims to be more holistic, integrated and harmonised with the Global Biodiversity Framework. It also recognises, supports and values respect for their territories, traditions and traditional knowledge, so their full, effective and active participation in the implementation of the plan - and the whole CBD - is key.
The work plan would contain nine elements, each with different actions. We highlight the recognition of the importance that the territories of IPLCs are in their hands to fulfil their role in the protection of biodiversity as well as its sustainable use. The recognition and call for the protection of traditional knowledge is strengthened by highlighting the importance - and necessity - of their full and effective participation. Therefore, we believe that their rights in relation to the conservation and use of biodiversity must be strengthened, respected and implemented.
The Working Group on 8j would become a Subsidiary Body that would advise the COP and other subsidiary bodies of the Convention, which represents an important step forward.
The COP would also approve a proposal from Colombia and Brazil to recognise the contributions made by Afro-descendant communities given their lifestyles and traditional knowledge as well as their connection to their lands. This recognition is important in order not to make invisible the contributions - and rights - of those who, in their daily lives and through their culture, play a vital role in the protection and sustainable use of biological diversity.
These proposals should be approved at this COP in order to continue with the recognition of the vital role that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in the protection of biodiversity. Through this recognition, it is evident that there is an urgent need to protect their rights so that they can remain on their lands, make decisions autonomously, organise themselves internally according to their traditions and have a role in defining public policies. Otherwise, their traditional and traditional lifestyles on their lands, as well as their culture, would be further eroded with a serious impact on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
The approval of the new work plan, form of organisation and recognition of Afro-descendant communities is evidence of the vital role played by Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the negotiations on these points, which could have more tools to defend and strengthen their lifestyles.
Implementation at the national level of all these future Convention agreements is key and should take place soon.
Finally, it is important not to forget that all this recognition, which would be reinforced at this COP16, must go hand in hand with effective protection mechanisms for human rights and environmental defenders in the face of the large number of attacks and violations of their individual and collective human rights.