UN Biodiversity Conference Establishes Indigenous Body

At the UN COP16 nature summit in Cali, Colombia, delegates reached a historic agreement to establish a permanent subsidiary body to represent Indigenous peoples in future nature conservation decisions. This development recognizes the vital role that Indigenous communities play in biodiversity management and aims to integrate their traditional knowledge into conservation efforts. The agreement also mandates major corporations to share financial benefits derived from natural genetic resources, enhancing equity in biodiversity initiatives. Additionally, a measure was adopted acknowledging the contributions of people of African descent in nature protection, aiming to improve their access to resources and participation in conservation discussions. The decision reflects a significant step towards inclusive decision-making in global biodiversity efforts, following the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's commitment to protect 30% of the planet's land and sea areas by 2030. The new body will be co-chaired by representatives from both Indigenous communities and UN parties, ensuring balanced representation.