Introduction
In a landmark decision at COP 16, Parties adopted a new Programme of Work on Article 8(j) and other provisions of the Convention related to indigenous peoples and local communities. This transformative programme sets out specific tasks to ensure the meaningful contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities towards the three objectives of the Convention – (a) the conservation of biological diversity, b) the sustainable use of biological diversity, and c) the fair and equitable sharing of benefits–, as well as the implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Through this Programme, rights, contributions and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities are further embedded in the global agenda.
Parties also agreed to establish a new permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and other Provisions of the Convention. The Subsidiary Body is expected to elevate issues related to the implementation of Article 8(j) and enhance the engagement and participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in all Convention processes.
Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity states Each contracting Party shall, as far as possible and as appropriate: (j) Subject to national legislation, respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and promote their wider application with the approval and involvement of the holders of such knowledge, innovations and practices and encourage the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of such knowledge innovations and practices;
In September 2020, Local Biodiversity Outlooks 2 (LBO-2) was launched. LBO-2 is a landmark piece of collaborative research and analysis that features contributions from over 50 indigenous and local authors and communities. The report highlights the critical roles played by IPLCs in maintaining and enhancing biological and cultural diversity and outlines indigenous and local perspectives on the transformational changes needed in order to realise the vision of a world living in harmony with nature.
Click here to see a digital version of the report.
