Leading the Way: Images for Inclusion's Transformative Impact for Indigenous Peoples' Rights at COP16

Jul 25

Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, delivering a speech at the opening of the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Sunday October 20, 2024. Cali, Colombia.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty adopted at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and which entered into force in 1993. Its objective is the conservation of biological diversity, its sustainable use, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. This highly significant international Biodiversity event took place from October 21 to November 1, 2024. Our NGO, Images for Inclusion, participated actively in the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus every day at 8 AM, and very importantly, we were involved in the Contact Group on Article 8j until very late hours.

The head of our NGO also helped organize meetings with the delegations of Chile and Brazil, and spoke directly with the delegate from Chile and the delegate from Russia to request greater flexibility, commitment, and consensus in the negotiations for the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples' rights. In this way, we contributed our small part to the dialogue, ensuring that for the first time, a United Nations environmental agreement adopted and established a permanent Subsidiary Body for Indigenous Peoples and local communities on traditional knowledge.

At COP16, the work plan for Indigenous Peoples was decided. The conference also focused on strengthening the recognition of traditional knowledge, territorial rights, and direct access to crucial funds for the exercise of self-determination.

While celebrating the establishment of this new permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and other Provisions of the Convention as a significant step forward – expected to elevate issues related to the implementation of Article 8(j) and enhance the engagement and participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in all Convention processes – Images for Inclusion remains steadfast in its advocacy for a dedicated focus within this body, or a distinct mechanism, that specifically addresses the unique individual and collective rights and issues pertaining solely to Indigenous Peoples, separate from those of local communities.

This clear differentiation is vital because Indigenous Peoples hold a distinct legal status under international law, particularly recognized in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This includes unique collective rights, such as self-determination, rights to their lands, territories, and resources, and the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which are not universally applicable to 'local communities' in general.

Conflating these terms risks diluting the specific rights and protections intended for Indigenous Peoples. Their historical context of colonization, dispossession, and assimilation necessitates targeted recognition and remedies, which can be undermined if their unique claims are weakened by broader classifications. Maintaining this clarity is crucial to ensure that the distinct voice, rights, and self-identification of Indigenous Peoples are fully recognized, protected, and advanced without dilution.

In practical terms, mixing these terms can lead to misdirection of funds, where resources intended for Indigenous Peoples might be diverted. It can also result in compromised representation, as the distinct voice of Indigenous Peoples might be outvoted or diluted by other local interests that may not align with theirs. Ultimately, this creates challenges in accountability, making it harder to hold states accountable for specific commitments made to Indigenous Peoples.

This monumental moment, achieved through tireless efforts and dedicated advocacy, filled us with great emotion and joy. While there's still work ahead on financing and monitoring progress, it doesn't diminish the significance of this historic achievement. We invite you to continue reading and viewing the photos below to delve deeper into the events, the negotiations, and the tangible impact of our work at COP16. Great admiration goes to all the Indigenous women leaders who, over many years, fought to reach this moment. We thank IIFB @iifb_indigenous for their trust and for allowing us to learn and contribute to this historic process for Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendant Peoples 🌎🌿💚

In the picture, Lidia Arriagada Garcia, president and CEO of Images for Inclusion. Our NGO supportedthe approval of the Subsidiary Body so that Indigenous Peoples had a real opportunity to advance their participation and representation process within the framework of their rights for the fulfillment of the CBD's objectives.

A final, truly emotional moment arrived on the evening of Friday, November 1, 2024, when the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j was officially adopted. This initiative will include Indigenous Peoples in future decision-making processes regarding nature conservation. This opened a path for the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities within the Convention on Biological Diversity and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Lidia Arriagada Garcia, president and CEO of Images for Inclusion sharing this emotional moment when Indigenous Peoples were unequivocally recognized as **vital guardians of the planet**, holding invaluable knowledge and traditional practices essential for preserving Earth's biodiversity.

With Viviana Figueroa, from the Omaguaca Indigenous People in Argentina, and expert from the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity. She explained to AFP: the article "refers to countries, in accordance with their national legislation, establishing certain measures to protect, maintain, and preserve the knowledge, innovations, and practices of Indigenous and local communities, and also ensuring participation in the benefits from their utilization."

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, a powerful moment of solidarity unfolded. The president of our organization, personally asked a delegate from Brazil to — within minutes— bring the Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, Sônia Guajajara (@guajajarasonia), to join our cause. This pacific and silent demonstration took place within the framework of COP16 negotiations for the participation of Indigenous Peoples through a Subsidiary Body, and it was carefully coordinated. The approval was received from UNDSS for the peaceful silent demonstration, and quickly mobilizing people to stand outside both exits of the Sierra Nevada room with placards to advocate for the establishment of a subsidiary body on Article 8(j). Journalists were also present to cover the event, amplifying our message. Key messages on the Subsidiary Body were prepared and distributed, ensuring our advocacy was clear and impactful.