Highlights and images for 28 October 2025

“The prevailing spirit of collaboration and compromise should set an example for other subsidiary bodies,” stressed a delegate, following the morning plenary of the second day of the inaugural 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). “The jury is still out,” responded a more reserved one, pointing to thorny discussions in contact groups, which slowed down progress considerably.

Want to dig deeper into today's talks? Read the full Earth Negotiations Bulletin daily report.

Delegates and IPLC representatives met in plenary in the morning to address:

• the process to review and update the Voluntary Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts;
• the provision of advice on traditional knowledge (TK) for the global report on collective progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF); and
• the recommendations of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), emanating from its 23rd and 24th sessions. 

Many Parties acknowledged the need to review and update the glossary and supported the suggested way forward. Details on convening an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) to support the process proved more challenging. Delegates expressed divergent opinions on the need for an AHTEG, while further disagreements arose regarding the AHTEG’s composition and work modalities.

The discussion on the provision of advice on TK for the global report on GBF implementation was smooth. Many Parties supported the integration of TK into national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) and underscored their efforts to include IPLCs in NBSAPs and national reports. Many delegates further supported the incorporation of TK in the global progress report on GBF implementation with the free, prior, and informed consent of IPLCs.

Conference Room Papers will be prepared to address both topics in plenary. Parties and IPLC representatives initiated discussions on the UNPFII recommendations, which will continue on Wednesday.

Discussions in the afternoon and evening contact group focused on elements for guidelines related to two tasks of the programme of work of SB8j: strengthening legal and policy implementation for GBF Targets 2 (restore 30% of all degraded ecosystems) and 3 (conserve 30% of land, waters, and seas); and the inclusion of traditional lands and resource use in spatial planning processes and environmental impact assessments. During the afternoon, informal consultations took place regarding SB8j’s modus operandi.