Indigenous voices at the table in global conservation decisions
After two weeks of intense negotiation, the U.N. biodiversity summit in Cali reached a historic decision, establishing a new body to include Indigenous groups in decisions on nature conservation.
Steven Grattan reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- A new U.N.-backed Indigenous body will influence conservation efforts, recognizing traditional knowledge as crucial for biodiversity.
- Corporations must now share profits derived from genetic resources with local communities, addressing equity in biodiversity-related income.
- Despite progress, financial pledges at COP16 were limited, sparking concerns about future biodiversity and climate commitments.
Key quote:
“With this decision, the value of the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and local communities is recognized,”
— Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s environment minister and COP16 president
Why this matters:
With the creation of a U.N.-backed body dedicated to Indigenous input, conservation is moving beyond a top-down approach, embracing a more inclusive model where traditional knowledge sits alongside modern science. Yet, without significant funding, experts fear that both biodiversity and climate goals could flounder, potentially leaving Indigenous communities to shoulder even more of the environmental burden alone. Read more: Pollution is one of the top drivers of biodiversity loss. Why is no one talking about it at COP16?
