October 30, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Indigenous Caucus took a bold stance at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) by organizing a silent protest in response to opposition against establishing a permanent body at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) mobilized supporters to gather outside the Sierra Nevada room, holding placards advocating for the creation of a subsidiary body under Article 8(j).
The protest which highlights the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of IPLCs in biodiversity conservation saw hundreds of placards bearing messages such as “Yes to SB8j now” emphasizing the urgent need for action.
This demonstration comes as a response to the resistance faced from various parties regarding the establishment of a permanent body at CBD.
In a release obtained by The Yoruba Times on Wednesday, Juan Carlos Paya, a political advisor of The National Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon (OPIAC), emphasized the significance of the subsidiary body.
“We raise our voice because some Parties do not consider it pertinent to consolidate the creation of the subsidiary body of Article 8(j). For Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, it is crucial to have this scenario to guide the implementation of the Framework without affecting our rights. Having the Subsidiary Body would allow us to speak in our own terms, from our visions, from our knowledge systems.” Paya said.
His statement underscores the need for IPLCs to have a formal platform to assert their rights and perspectives in biodiversity conservation.
He also noted that the proposed subsidiary body would provide a dedicated space for IPLCs to contribute their expertise and ensure their rights are respected.
Speaking to The Yoruba Times, Ajibola Osungbohun, a human rights advocate in his view noted that the IIFB’s efforts aim to ensure that IPLCs have a formal and persistent voice in decision-making processes related to biodiversity conservation. By standing together.
“The Indigenous Caucus and IIFB seek to bring attention to the critical role IPLCs play in preserving the world’s biodiversity and the need for their rights to be respected and protected” he mentioned
However, the silent protest serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and recognition in the fight against biodiversity loss.
Photo credit: OPIAC
