Kuna Woman, Panama - Benjamin Powless, UN DESA/DISD
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples-- 9 August 2024
Statement of the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Astrid Schomaker, on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples:
On behalf of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, I am pleased to join this year’s commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples to recognize the contribution of Indigenous Peoples to the protection of nature and the well-being of humanity.
Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are custodians of biodiversity and rich cultural and linguistic diversity that nurtures human heritage.
Their close relationship with their natural environment, rooted in their traditional knowledge, provides important lessons the world must heed in promoting the conservation of biodiversity and in the mitigation of the impacts of climate change. But they must reckon with relentless encroachment on their territories and rising pressures that pose high risks to their lives, health, culture, resources and well-being.
Considering their intricate relationship with nature, tampering with their habitat jeopardizes their very existence and traditional ways of life, with dire consequences for forests and biodiversity.
Indigenous Peoples, in particular those in voluntary isolation and initial contact, have the inherent right to determine freely their own paths and to live free from forced assimilation or destruction of their culture.
As we commemorate this day, let us reflect on our responsibilities and actions to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
The Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity have a responsibility to safeguard their physical, cultural and territorial integrity, including their ancestral patterns of movement within their territories.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which promotes a human rights approach in its implementation, recognizes the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and, by extension, the rights of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact, as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use.
The KMGBF includes targets to ensure that their rights including those over their traditional knowledge are truly respected and that their special relationship with their territories and lands is fully protected, in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
It is imperative that conservation policies respect their fundamental rights, including their autonomy, safeguarding their territories to preserve their traditional ways of life and cultural identities.
In our collective efforts to support and accelerate the implementation of the KMGBF, let us ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ rights and cultural identities are fully respected, especially those of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact.
More information:
Article 8(j) - Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices
United Nations: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Related Targets in The Biodiversity Plan
Ensure that all areas are under participatory, integrated and biodiversity inclusive spatial planning and/or effective management processes addressing land- and sea‑use change, to bring the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance, including ecosystems of high ecological integrity, close to zero by 2030, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.
Why is this target important?
Land-use and sea-use change are major direct drivers of biodiversity loss. Land-use change has had the largest relative negative impact on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems since 1970, with agricultural expansion being the most widespread form of land-use change. Marine and coastal ecosystems have been significantly affected by human activities as well, with research demonstrating increasing cumulative impacts of human activities in more than 60 per cent of the ocean.
Increasing demands and conflicting uses of land, inland water and ocean space and resources underscore the need for cross-sectoral approaches that allow for the consideration of multiple interests, values and types of use. Integrated spatial planning and/or effective management processes allow countries to analyze and then effectively allocate the spatial and temporal distribution of activities in each environment to achieve various social, ecological and economic objectives. Integrated and participatory spatial planning helps bring together all stakeholders for a particular space and thereby ensure the prioritization and proper allocation of various activities and thereby balance the need to safeguard nature, while advancing sustainable socioeconomic development and ensuring food security and human well-being. The ecosystem approach as well as the many examples of guidance and experience in implementing this approach also provide a strong basis for this target.
Links to other elements of the Biodiversity Plan and other frameworks and processes.
- Actions to reach Target 1 should take into account all of the considerations for implementation identified in section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Progress towards this target will support the attainment of goals A and B of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In addition, progress towards this target will directly support the attainment of targets 2, 3, 5, 10 and 12 of the Framework. Conversely, progress towards targets 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 will help to reach Target 1.
- Target 1 addresses issues that were previously addressed by Aichi Biodiversity Target 5.
- Elements of Target 1 are also addressed in the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including targets 14.2, 15.1, 15.2, 15.5 and 15.9.
Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas, and of marine and coastal areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories, where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, including over their traditional territories.
Why is this target important?
Land-use and sea-use change are major direct drivers of biodiversity loss. Land-use change has had the largest relative negative impact on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems since 1970, with agricultural expansion being the most widespread form of land-use change. Marine and coastal ecosystems have been significantly affected by human activities as well, with research demonstrating increasing cumulative impacts of human activities in more than 60 per cent of the ocean.
Increasing demands and conflicting uses of land, inland water and ocean space and resources underscore the need for cross-sectoral approaches that allow for the consideration of multiple interests, values and types of use. Integrated spatial planning and/or effective management processes allow countries to analyze and then effectively allocate the spatial and temporal distribution of activities in each environment to achieve various social, ecological and economic objectives. Integrated and participatory spatial planning helps bring together all stakeholders for a particular space and thereby ensure the prioritization and proper allocation of various activities and thereby balance the need to safeguard nature, while advancing sustainable socioeconomic development and ensuring food security and human well-being. The ecosystem approach as well as the many examples of guidance and experience in implementing this approach also provide a strong basis for this target.
Links to other elements of the Biodiversity Plan and other frameworks and processes.
- Actions to reach Target 1 should take into account all of the considerations for implementation identified in section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Progress towards this target will support the attainment of goals A and B of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In addition, progress towards this target will directly support the attainment of targets 2, 3, 5, 10 and 12 of the Framework. Conversely, progress towards targets 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 will help to reach Target 1.
- Target 1 addresses issues that were previously addressed by Aichi Biodiversity Target 5.
- Elements of Target 1 are also addressed in the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including targets 14.2, 15.1, 15.2, 15.5 and 15.9.
Ensure that the use, harvesting and trade of wild species is sustainable, safe and legal, preventing overexploitation, minimizing impacts on non-target species and ecosystems, and reducing the risk of pathogen spill-over, applying the ecosystem approach, while respecting and protecting customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities.
Why is this target important?
The direct exploitation of wild populations of species is the largest direct driver of biodiversity loss in marine ecosystems and the second largest in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Actions to address the legality, sustainability and safety of the use of wild species of fauna and flora need to take place at the point of harvest, landing, during transportation and trade, and at point of final consumption – the latter affecting overall demand – are key to preventing biodiversity loss.
Links to other elements of the Biodiversity Plan and other frameworks and processes.
- Actions to reach Target 5 should take into account all of the considerations for implementation identified in section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Progress towards this target will directly contribute to goals A and B of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Progress will also contribute to targets 4, 6, 9, 11. Conversely, progress towards targets 14, 15, 16, 18, 21 and 22 will support the attainment of this target.
- Target 5 addresses issues previously addressed, in part, in Aichi Biodiversity Target 6
- Elements of Target 5 are also addressed in the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including targets 12.2, 14.4, 14.7, 15.2, 15.7 and 15.C.
- Target 5 is also relevant to work being undertaken under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) species classification, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat
Ensure that the management and use of wild species are sustainable, thereby providing social, economic and environmental benefits for people, especially those in vulnerable situations and those most dependent on biodiversity, including through sustainable biodiversity-based activities, products and services that enhance biodiversity, and protecting and encouraging customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities.
Why is this target important?
Biodiversity is the source of many goods and services on which people depend. The maintenance, in quantity and quality, of the benefits provided by biodiversity offers an important incentive for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It will not be possible to reach the 2050 Vision if the benefits provided by biodiversity, particularly those related to nutrition, food security, livelihoods, health and well-being, are not ensured.
Links to other elements of the Biodiversity Plan and other frameworks and processes.
- Actions to reach Target 9 should take into account all of the considerations for implementation identified in Section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- This target is closely related to Target 5. Progress towards Target 9 will contribute to the attainment of goals A and B of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It will also help to reach targets 4, 5, and 11. Conversely progress towards targets 5, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 will help to reach this target.
- Target 9 addresses issues previously addressed under Aichi Biodiversity Target 6.
- Elements of Target 9 are also addressed in the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including targets 12.2, 14.7 and 15.7.
Why is this target important?
Substantially and progressively increase the level of financial resources from all sources, in an effective, timely and easily accessible manner, including domestic, international, public and private resources, in accordance with Article 20 of the Convention, to implement national biodiversity strategies and action plans, by 2030 mobilizing at least 200 billion United States dollars per year, including by:
(a) Increasing total biodiversity related international financial resources from developed countries, including official development assistance, and from countries that voluntarily assume obligations of developed country Parties, to developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States, as well as countries with economies in transition, to at least US$ 20 billion per year by 2025, and to at least US$ 30 billion per year by 2030;
(b) Significantly increasing domestic resource mobilization, facilitated by the preparation and implementation of national biodiversity finance plans or similar instruments according to national needs, priorities and circumstances;
(c) Leveraging private finance, promoting blended finance, implementing strategies for raising new and additional resources, and encouraging the private sector to invest in biodiversity, including through impact funds and other instruments;
(d) Stimulating innovative schemes such as payment for ecosystem services, green bonds, biodiversity offsets and credits, benefit-sharing mechanisms, with environmental and social safeguards;
(e) Optimizing co-benefits and synergies of finance targeting the biodiversity and climate crises;
(f) Enhancing the role of collective actions, including by indigenous peoples and local communities, Mother Earth centric actions[1] and non-market-based approaches including community based natural resource management and civil society cooperation and solidarity aimed at the conservation of biodiversity;
(g) Enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of resource provision and use.
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[1] Mother Earth-centric actions: Ecocentric and rights-based approach enabling the implementation of actions towards harmonic and complementary relationships between peoples and nature, promoting the continuity of all living beings and their communities and ensuring the non-commodification of environmental functions of Mother Earth.
Links to other elements of the Biodiversity Plan and other frameworks and processes.
- Actions to reach Target 19 should take into account all of the considerations for implementation identified in section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- This target directly relates to Goal D of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It will also indirectly support the attainment of the other goals of the framework by ensuring that the necessary resources are available for implementation. This target will also indirectly support the attainment of all targets in the framework. Conversely, progress towards this target would be supported by actions to reach targets 14, 15 and 18.
- Elements of this target were previously addressed by Aichi Biodiversity Target 20.
- Elements of Target 8 are also addressed in the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including targets 1.a, 10.b, 15.6, 15.b and 17.3.
Ensure that the best available data, information and knowledge, are accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public to guide effective and equitable governance, integrated and participatory management of biodiversity, and to strengthen communication, awareness-raising, education, monitoring, research and knowledge management and, also in this context, traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and technologies of indigenous peoples and local communities should only be accessed with their free, prior and informed consent[1], in accordance with national legislation.
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[1] Free, prior and informed consent refers to the tripartite terminology of “prior and informed consent” or “free, prior and informed consent” or “approval and involvement.
Why is this target important?
All countries need data, information and knowledge to identify threats to biodiversity, and determine needs and priorities, plan and take evidence-based decisions and actions, set benchmarks and monitor and report on progress for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the fair and equitable benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Accessible biodiversity-related data, information and knowledge are critical for creating baselines, regularly assessing progress and taking necessary action. This issue is cross-cutting, with implications for all the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Links to other elements of the Biodiversity Plan and other frameworks and processes.
- Actions to reach Target 21 should take into account all of the considerations for implementation identified in section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- This target is relevant to the attainment of all goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Target 21 addresses issues previously addressed under Aichi Biodiversity Targets 18 and 19.
- Elements of Target 21 are also addressed in the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including Targets 14.a, 17.6, 17.7 and 17.18
Ensure the full, equitable, inclusive, effective and gender-responsive representation and participation in decision-making, and access to justice and information related to biodiversity by indigenous peoples and local communities, respecting their cultures and their rights over lands, territories, resources, and traditional knowledge, as well as by women and girls, children and youth, and persons with disabilities and ensure the full protection of environmental human rights defenders.
Why is this target important?
Indigenous peoples and local communities have a cultural and holistic understanding of nature based on their traditional knowledge, practices and innovation. This information and understanding of biodiversity in turn play a crucial role in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The insights of indigenous and local communities on local ecosystems play a fundamental role in developing conservation initiatives that integrate cultural values and traditional governance systems, including sustainable use such as resource management techniques, traditional hunting and fishing, and elective harvesting. Further, their lands encompass diverse ecosystems, ranging from forests and wetlands to mountains and coastal areas with high concentrations of biodiversity and often promote sustainable land use, including agroforestry, rotational farming and community-based conservation management systems. Involving indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation and the recognition of their perspectives and expertise can contribute to the development of context-specific and effective conservation strategies.
The target also recognizes the importance of meaningful participation of women and girls, as well as the inclusion of children, youth and persons with disabilities, in promoting social equity and empowering these groups to actively contribute to biodiversity conservation. It also highlights the need to protect environmental human rights defenders as they are at the forefront of protecting biodiversity by monitoring and exposing environmental violations, promoting sustainable practices and advocating for a human rights-based approach to conservation efforts.
Links to other elements of the Biodiversity Plan and other frameworks and processes.
- Actions to reach Target 22 should take into account the considerations for implementation identified in section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Progress towards Target 22 will directly support the attainment of all goals and targets. However, progress towards this target is particularly relevant for the achievement of targets 1, 3, 5, 9, 13, 21 and 23. Conversely, progress towards targets 21 and 23 will support progress towards this target.
- Target 22 addresses issues that were also addressed by Aichi Biodiversity Target 18.
- Elements of Target 22 are also addressed in the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including targets 1.4, 5.5, 5.a, 10.2, 10.3, 16.3, 16.7, and 16.10.
