UN COP16 nature summit creates permanent body for Indigenous peoples

Members of indigenous communities from several countries react after the adoption of a subsidiary body representing them to the Convention on Biological Diversity during the final plenary session of the COP16 summit in Cali, Colombia on November 1, 2024. Photo courtesy: AFP

Countries at the United Nations (UN) COP16 summit on nature in Colombia on Friday (November 1, 2024) approved a measure to create a permanent body for indigenous peoples to consult on UN decisions on nature conservation.

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According to indigenous and environmental advocates, the consultative body is considered a success in recognizing the role of indigenous peoples in conserving nature globally, including some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.

Nearly 200 countries gathered in the city of Cali with the goal of implementing the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Agreement, which aims to halt the rapid degradation of nature by 2030.

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The advisory body, which will also extend to local communities, will help incorporate traditional knowledge and practices into conservation efforts.

Countries also agreed to adopt a measure that recognizes the role of people of African descent in caring for nature, which COP16 host Colombia said would allow such communities to finance their own biodiversity projects and participate in global environmental discussions. Will have easy access to resources to participate.