CALI: In a significant move towards enhancing global biodiversity efforts, nearly 200 countries gathered at the UN COP16 summit on nature in Cali on Friday and approved the creation of a permanent consultative body for Indigenous people.
This initiative aims to ensure that Indigenous communities have a voice in United Nations decisions regarding nature conservation. The establishment of this consultative body is considered a breakthrough by Indigenous and environmental advocates, recognizing the critical role these communities play in conserving some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The measure aligns with the objectives of the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to halt the rapid decline of nature by 2030.
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In addition to Indigenous representation, the newly formed body will also extend its reach to local communities, facilitating the incorporation of traditional knowledge and practices into conservation strategies.
Moreover, the summit saw countries agreeing to recognize the contributions of people of African descent in environmental stewardship. Host country Colombia stated that this recognition would provide these communities with improved access to resources to fund biodiversity initiatives and participate more actively in global environmental discussions.
