Background: Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity requires its Parties to respect, preserve and maintain Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge in a manner that is consistent with their human and collective rights. The new programme of work on Article 8 (j) and other provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity related to Indigenous Peoples and local communities to 2030 (decision 16/4) calls for a human rights-based approach, including the effective participation of Indigenous Peoples. The establishment of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8 (j) (SB8j) and Other Provisions of the Convention Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at COP16 (decision 16/5) represents an institutional recognition of the central role and rights of Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity governance.

The implementation of the programme of work on Article 8(j) and the modus operandi of the SB8j will be put forward for consideration by COP17, providing a timely opportunity to discuss the substantive integration of knowledge, cultures and traditional practices of Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in biodiversity conservation on an equal footing with other knowledge systems and with full respect for their respective rights. As part of these discussions, COP17 will also consider the Guidelines to strengthen the legal and policy framework for the implementation of Targets 2 and 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), including on indigenous and traditional territories, to support the protection and restoration practices led by indigenous peoples and local communities.

Respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights in the context of biodiversity-related actions is a binding obligation under international human rights law, but also a crucial approach to achieving the best outcomes for both people and biodiversity. Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices are indispensable to the sustainable and equitable stewardship of the environment. This is recognized by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Council resolution 57/28, which highlights the significance of promoting, respecting and protecting human rights in the context of conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.

The Agreed Conclusions of CSW66 recognizes the role of Indigenous women as guardians of biodiversity and their agency in environmental protection and climate action, including as environmental human rights defenders. The full, meaningful and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples, through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures, and with their free prior and informed consent is essential for effective implementation of Article 8(j). Particular attention should also be given to the knowledge, leadership, and rights of Indigenous women and girls, who often face distinct barriers in biodiversity governance and action despite their critical contributions. Advancing these rights is also consistent with the implementation of Target 23 of the KM-GBF and the CBD Gender Plan of Action.

Objectives: This event will explore experiences, lessons learned, and implementation challenges related to operationalizing a human rights-based approach for the purpose of the work of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8 (j), with the aim of supporting States to implement more effective biodiversity conservation measures in compliance with their obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Draft agenda: (1 hour in total)

• Welcoming remarks and moderation: OHCHR (5 min)
• Opening remarks: State Representative (5 min)
• Speaker 1 – Representative of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB): Contributions of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge in biodiversity conservation in the context of 8j (5 min)
• Speaker 2 – Representative of CBD Women’s Caucus: Gender-responsive biodiversity conservation in the context of 8j (5 min)
• Speaker 3 – Representative of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN): Rights-based approaches to conservation that advance intergenerational equity in the context of 8j (5 min)
• Speaker 4 – Representative of the Secretariat of the CBD: Rights-based approaches to biodiversity conservation in the context of 8j (5 min)
• Discussion (25 min)
• Closing remarks: State Representative (5 min)