Global Biodiversity : SB8j-1 Concludes in Panama City

RITURAJ PHUKAN

The First meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) (SB8j) was held in Panama City from October 27–30.

The participants engaged in substantive discussions regarding strategies for mobilizing financial resources and other means of implementation to facilitate IPLCs’ effective contribution to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Additionally, the meeting focused on finalizing the modus operandi for SB8j.

The new Subsidiary Body is an important development for ensuring that the traditional knowledge of indigenous people are part of global efforts to restore and conserve biodiversity and the biocultural heritage of communities in different parts of the world. It holds immense significance for the diverse indigenous people and local communities of the biodiversity-rich north east India.

Key agenda items included the development of proposed guidelines pertaining to Task 1.1, which aims to strengthen the implementation of GBF Targets 2 (restoration of 30% of degraded ecosystems) and 3 (conservation of 30% of land, waters, and seas), as well as Task 1.2 concerning the inclusion of traditional lands and resource use in spatial planning and environmental impact assessments under the programme of work (PoW) on Article 8(j).

During the morning session, delegates addressed outstanding differences related to the proposed guideline elements for the PoW tasks. Two plenary sessions followed, during which conference room papers were reviewed and final recommendations endorsed. These culminated in the adoption of a comprehensive recommendation on strategies for resource mobilization in support of GBF implementation and the approval of the meeting report.

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On the third day, the deliberations included recommendations from the 23rd and 24th sessions of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Parties recognized the importance of UNPFII as a consultative platform that supports the rights and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples and facilitates financial access.

Several delegates supported the draft recommendation for the Conference of the Parties (COP) to acknowledge UNPFII recommendations and requested that the Secretariat continue to update the UNPFII on matters of mutual interest. Representatives from India, Colombia, and Nigeria emphasized the necessity of ongoing collaboration between SB8j and UNPFII, while Norway underscored the opportunity for UNPFII to submit recommendations to SB8j.

Earlier, on the second day, extended discussions were held regarding the recommendation on resource mobilization. The distinction between Indigenous Peoples and local communities became a focal point late in the evening, with some advocating for equal treatment while others reaffirmed the non-negotiable nature of Indigenous Peoples’ rights. This remains an unresolved issue for SB8j.

The evolution of this discourse will be significant for Assam and the northeast as a whole, where there is a diversity of tribal communities, often identified with indigenous people, and other local communities with equally diverge traditional knowledge and biocultural heritages.

The Contact Group on the Modus Operandi considered whether to utilize the seven sociocultural regions recognized by UNPFII or the five United Nations regional groupings for nominating co-chairs. Further deliberations centered around nomination processes for IPLC representatives, including Party endorsement, organizational registration, co-chair qualifications, and maintaining balance between Indigenous Peoples and local community representation.

Provisional agreement was reached stipulating that SB8j will convene once per intersessional period, in conjunction with other subsidiary body meetings. Ensuring the full and effective participation of IPLCs, especially those from developing countries and developing country Parties, was also discussed.

Delegates and IPLC representatives, during plenary, addressed revisions to the Voluntary Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts and the provision of advice on traditional knowledge (TK) for the global report on GBF progress and UNPFII recommendations. While most parties supported updating the glossary and integrating TK into national biodiversity strategies, opinions diverged on convening an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG), its composition, and modalities.

Regarding TK’s inclusion in global reporting, the majority favoured its integration into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), contingent on free, prior, and informed consent of IPLCs.Therepository of traditional nature-based knowledge systems of indigenous people of the northeast, along with that of other communities across the country could provide a significant resource for the country, and the world as a whole.

On the final day, views varied among delegates and IPLC representatives. Many acknowledged the meeting’s efficient procedures and collaborative spirit, whereas others raised concerns about bracketed recommendations forwarded to COP 17. These reflected difficulties in reaching consensus on issues such as the modus operandi, UNPFII recommendations, and guidelines for PoW tasks.

The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity advocated for recognizing the organization of IPLCs within seven socio-cultural regions and Indigenous Traditional Territories as distinct systems contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Regional and other group representatives highlighted the critical role of accessible and predictable financing, capacity-building, technology transfer, the right to self-determination, and the importance of inclusive and gender-responsive participation.

Rituraj Phukan: Founder, Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum; Co-Founder, Smily Academy ;National Coordinator for Biodiversity, The Climate Reality Project India; Member, IUCN Wilderness Specialist Group; Commission Member – IUCN WCPA Climate Change, IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation, IUCN WCPA Indigenous People and Protected Areas Specialist Groups, IUCN WCPA South Asia Region and IUCN WCPA-SSC Invasive Alien Species Task Force; Member, International Antarctic Expedition 2013; Climate Force Arctic 2019 ; Ambassador, Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary. Rituraj Phukan is the Climate Editor, Mahabahu and Convenor, Mahabahu Climate Forum.

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