The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasised the integration of diverse perspectives, practices, and understandings of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) in planning and as well as participation in decision-making processes in order to effectively achieve the targets and goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In an online panel discussion, iDiv and CAPAZ invited representatives from science, policy and IPLCs to reflect on the COP16 decisions regarding article 8(j). Welcomed by Henrique Pereira (iDiv, MLU) and Stefan Peters (CAPAZ), Solveig Richter (UL, iDiv Member) gave a keynote on the importance of interdisciplinarity in research to integrate diverse perspectives on nature.
A key aspect of the discussion was the recognition and visibility of the respective groups and the need for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, but also the need to not romanticise the topic of IPLCs in policy making. Diana Terán Guerrón as communication coordinator of an indigenous group of Chinchaysuyo, Quito, Ecuador, and representative of the group of indigenous people at COP16, noted that “what we seek is recognition and […] being part of these important discussions at a global level to be able to give our point of view”. She emphasised that participation should not be seen as a competition, “[…] or a stone in the road but rather a shoulder-to-shoulder fight as a complement for decision making”.
Pablo Palacios showed how successful collaborative research projects with IPLCs can be for biodiversity protection. He is an ecologist at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá, Colombia. He works in one of the most biodiverse regions located in the Chocó-Darien, biogeographic region along the Pacific coast from Panama to Ecuador). He was also part of the Colombian delegation at COP16 and highlighted the historical contributions of Afro-descendants and the recognition of their importance for biodiversity protection. Pablo emphasised the importance of participative processes together with local communities: “Our territories go from seeing IPLCs as simple companions in the research processes, but as co-researchers, elevating them on the same page, producing crucial knowledge”. He stressed that participation is supposed to be understood as a global collective discussion in order to break historic roles.
Lennart Kümper-Schlake, science-policy officer and Deputy Head Division of International Nature Conservation at the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), participated at COP16 as lead negotiator of the EU and its member states in the working group on article 8(j) and serving as the advisor to the German ministry. He reflected on the discussions around article 8(j) and its implications. From an institutional perspective, Lennart emphasised the agreement on a new programme of work under article 8(j) and the achievement of establishing a subsidiary body. Looking to the future, “the implementation of the programme of work is the most important step after the first meeting of the subsidiary body”. Prior to this, the subsidiary body will need time to develop a clear modus operandi for the work programme.
Following COP16, with over 100 participants joining the online panel discussion, it is evident that continued reflection and dialogue are needed on how to effectively integrate IPLCs into future decision-making to achieve the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Contact: leonie.friedrich@idiv.de