Delegates to the 11th meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions (11WG8J) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have agreed on a set of recommendations for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on Review of Implementation regarding a fully integrated programme of work on matters related to indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, to be agreed next year at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming, China.
Recommendations were also made regarding future elements of work on the links between nature and culture in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
“I am particularly pleased,” said Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Officer in Charge of the CBD, “with the consensus reached by Parties on the development of a fully integrated Programme of Work on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, fully integrating the views of the representatives of ILPCs on an ambitious outline of work.”
The Conference of the Parties established a working group, open to all Parties, and indigenous peoples and local communities’ representatives, specifically to address the implementation of Article 8 (j) and related provisions of the CBD. The Working Group has now met 11 times since its establishment in 1998, and has some notable achievements, in particular raising the profile of indigenous peoples and local community issues throughout the CBD process.
The Working Group has successfully developed and monitored the implementation of the work programme on Article 8(j) and related provisions, as well as delivering guidelines and other tools.
Agenda items discussed included:
- Contributions of the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities and cultural diversity to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The 11WG8J held an in-depth dialogue with representatives from Parties, IPLCs, the United Nations, and scientists, all of whom presented their experiences on the contributions of the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of IPLCs and cultural diversity to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
- Future Programme of Work on Traditional Knowledge. The 11WG8J considered the development of a fully integrated programme of work on Article 8(j) and related provisions within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Contribution allowed for the full and effective participation of IPLCs in the work of the CBD, based on achievements to date, considering the ongoing and postponed tasks of Parties. It also considered the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its goals, the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and gaps identified. The Working Group adopted draft recommendations for consideration and adoption by the 2020 UN Biodiversity Conference.
- Nature and Culture in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The 11WG8J considered possible elements of work on the links between nature and culture in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Across millennia, people have developed a variety of cultures, languages, knowledge and belief systems by interacting not only with each other, but with plants, animals and landscapes. As a result, culturally and spiritually grounded values, beliefs and worldviews on biodiversity are often indivisible from ecosystem health, sustainable use of natural resources, human well-being, traditional and/or local livelihoods, and opportunities for environmental stewardship. Biological, as well as cultural diversity contributes to resilient ecosystems. The Working Group adopted draft recommendations for consideration and adoption by the 2020 UN Biodiversity Conference.
