Background and rationale

Since the emergence of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in 2022, parties to the Framework have been working on implementing the same within their domestic context. From the context of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) rights, Targets 13, 21, 22 and 23 are important as they lend themselves to achieving Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) that is grounded in fairness, justice and equity. In this context, the experience of biodiversity rich countries from South Asia and South-East Asia i.e. India, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines and Bhutan in operationalising the domestic ABS regime is important especially from the point of view of communities. To this end, a panel session is being proposed that will bring representatives from these countries to deliberate on the lessons learnt from implementation of ABS laws and policies focusing on community participation, representation in ABS processes, and securing fair and equitable monetary and non-monetary benefits to IPLCs.  

The session will also explore the opportunities and challenges for IPLCs in accessing the global efforts taken for awareness raising, capacity building, technology transfer, financial and other resources as a part of the Nagoya Protocol. This includes reflections on the existing reporting formats (Part VIII of the reporting format for Nagoya Protocol) and monitoring framework relating to ABS that pertains to IPLC rights. Highlighting the need for a human-rights based ABS implementation, the discussion intends to contribute to the global discourse on just and equitable ABS implementation that recognises, empowers and promotes community conservation (Targets 1, 2, 3, 4), secures community livelihoods and enhances customary sustainable use practices (Targets 5, 9, 10). 

This event aims to bring together representatives from the Subsidiary Body of Implementation, Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and related provisions relating to IPLCs, state actors, GEF, UNDP,  community representatives, academia and other interested stakeholders. 

Objectives

The objectives for this side event are as follows:

1. Summarise the manner in which Targets 13, 21, 22 and 23 are operationalised by recognizing IPLCs and respecting, promoting and protecting their rights. 

2. Highlight the need for better human rights based integration of NBSAP for securing rights of IPLCs with respect to ABS including rights around prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms. 

3. Make a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities ahead of us towards implementation of these targets.

Expected outcomes

1. Learn from each other on best practices around implementing ABS 

2. Identify the gaps in ensuring IPLC participation in the ABS process

3. Understand how international policies on biodiversity conservation affect IPLCs

4. Provide pathways that transform IPLCs into active conservation co-creators

5. Ensure that lessons from this exercise are communicated to the policy makers

 

Proposed format (time wise and with potential speakers)

The side-event is planned to be for 60 minutes in the form of a panel discussion between representatives from South and South East Asia with audience interaction planned at the end of the panel discussion.