Image Indigenous cultural presentation (Mohawk Nation) during the Nature and Culture Summit 2022

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples- 9 August 2023

"Let’s listen to their advice and respect, enable and support their contribution to protecting our planet and our common future." -- David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of  the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

This International Day of Indigenous Peoples 2023, under the title of "Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination", revindicates the role that indigenous youth must occupy in decision-making while recognizing their dedicated efforts in climate action, the search for justice for their people, and the creation of an intergenerational connection that keeps their culture, traditions, and contributions alive.

As indigenous youth proudly embrace their cultural heritage, they assume a critical role in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Indigenous-led conservation efforts have demonstrated that engaging indigenous youth is vital to ensure that they carry forward their cultural and ecological heritage and equip future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to manage and conserve biodiversity, to protect their territories, and to care for Mother Earth.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework acknowledges the important roles and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use. Implementation must ensure that the rights of indigenous peoples are respected, in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and other national and international law.
 

Statement by the Acting Executive Secretary of  the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August 2023

 

 

More information:

View Full Statement

Article 8(j) - Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices

United Nations: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples