UN COP16 Nature Summit Establishes Permanent Body for Indigenous Peoples

At the UN COP16 nature summit in Cali, Colombia, nearly 200 countries approved the creation of a permanent consultative body for Indigenous peoples, Arab News reported today.

This initiative aims to enhance Indigenous participation in UN decisions regarding nature conservation, recognizing their vital role in protecting biodiversity. The consultative body will also extend its reach to local communities, facilitating the integration of traditional knowledge into conservation strategies.

The summit, which seeks to implement the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aims to halt the rapid decline of nature by 2030. Additionally, countries agreed to measures that emphasize the contributions of people of African descent in environmental stewardship, ensuring these communities gain better access to resources for biodiversity projects. This landmark decision is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity in global environmental discussions and acknowledges the critical role Indigenous and local communities play in safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity.