Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, local communities, and civil society leaders will present a joint call to CBD Parties to uphold commitments to rights, safeguards, and direct access to finance at COP17. Speakers will highlight provisions currently under negotiation that could weaken recognition of Indigenous and Traditional Territories as a conservation pathway; free, prior and informed consent; direct financing through the Cali Fund; women’s rights; and recognition of Afro-Descendant Peoples. The press conference will coincide with the delivery of a global open letter endorsed by organizations from around the world and will outline key priorities for ensuring COP17 advances, rather than weakens, implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Speakers: 

Cindy Julianty, Executive Coordinator of the Working Group ICCAs Indonesia (WGII)
Absalón Suárez, International Agenda Leader, Proceso de Comunidades Negras (PCN)

Moderated by:

Omaira Bolaños, Program Director, Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI)