The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), specifically Targets 3 (30x30) and 22, seeks to shift biodiversity conservation toward a rights-based model that prioritizes the equitable participation and leadership of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs).

Despite official commitments to inclusivity, current conservation practices often remain exclusionary, leading to systemic human rights violations such as forced evictions, land dispossession, and the criminalization of Indigenous peoples. This creates a fundamental paradox where Indigenous Peoples, who are proven to be among the world's most effective environmental stewards, continue to bear a disproportionate burden under traditional "fortress conservation" models. Advancing a rights-based approach is a human rights imperative; effective implementation of KMGBF targets depends on protecting Indigenous land rights, self-determination, and sustainable stewardship practices.

This side event will bring together Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and experts to address these issues and move away from exclusionary policies. The session aims to present the realities of human rights impacts, highlight the effectiveness of Indigenous governance, and identify mechanisms—such as the recognition of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)—to strengthen accountability. 

Ultimately, the event seeks to generate actionable recommendations for governments and donors to ensure that conservation goals align with and reinforce the protection of human rights.