Landmark Agreement Secured at COP16: Indigenous peoples gain permanent voice in biodiversity convention

November 02, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

A significant agreement has been reached at the ongoing 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), as Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and Afro-descendants have been granted a permanent place in the CBD.

This historic decision recognizes their crucial role in protecting ecosystems and ensures their participation in negotiations without reliance on government goodwill.

The 8J Indigenous Peoples work program solidifies their position, providing a platform for IPLCs to contribute to decision-making processes.

This development acknowledges the vital importance of Indigenous Peoples in preserving biodiversity, particularly in light of their traditional territories accounting for 22% of the planet’s land surface and up to 80% of the world’s biodiversity.

However, controversy has emerged regarding funding for nature’s genetic data. A dispute is unfolding over which sectors should contribute to the Digital Sequence Information (DSI) benefit-sharing mechanism.

Currently, agribusinesses have been excluded, potentially accounting for 50% of the funds raised.

Stakeholders hope for a resolution before the plenary addresses the text.

The DSI benefit-sharing mechanism aims to ensure fair distribution of benefits arising from genetic resources and digital sequence information.

The COP16 meeting seeks to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, halting and reversing nature’s decline. IPLCs’ participation is vital for achieving the framework’s goals, including conserving 30% of the planet’s biodiversity by 2030.

This permanent place in the CBD ensures IPLCs’ rights and interests are protected, particularly in Target 3. Their involvement will be crucial for achieving the 30×30 Global Goal to protect 30% of terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030.

The agreement marks a significant step forward in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to biodiversity conservation.

As negotiations continue, resolving the funding dispute will be essential for securing a comprehensive and effective outcome.