Highlights and images for 30 October 2025

The final day of deliberations at the historic, 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), evoked ambivalent feelings among delegates and IPLC representatives. Many celebrated the smooth procedures and spirit of collaboration that allowed the subsidiary body to successfully conclude its deliberations, avoiding another late night of negotiations. Others expressed concerns over bracketed recommendations to the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17), and called for a balanced approach going forward, stressing that a few Parties monopolized the discussions.

In the morning, delegates tried to iron out remaining disagreements linked to proposed elements for guidelines related to tasks of the programme of work (PoW) on Article 8(j). They then met in two plenary sessions to approve conference room papers and adopt final recommendations on:

• the process to review and update the Voluntary Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts;
• the provision of advice on traditional knowledge for the global report on collective progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF);
• the recommendations of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII);
• the modus operandi of the SB8j; and
• proposed elements for guidelines related to two tasks of the PoW of SB8j: strengthening legal and policy framework for the implementation of 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.

Delegates also adopted a final recommendation on the in-depth dialogue on strategies for mobilizing resources for IPLCs to support GBF implementation and approved the meeting’s report.

Negotiations proved particularly challenging on the modus operandi of the SB8j; the UNPFII recommendations; and the proposed elements for guidelines related to tasks of the PoW on Article 8(j), with delegates unable to reach consensus, resulting in heavily bracketed recommendations forwarded to COP 17.

In closing remarks, the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity called for the recognition of IPLCs' organization in seven socio-cultural regions, as well as the Indigenous Traditional Territories as a standalone system contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, distinct from protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

Representatives of regional and other groups stressed, among other things, the importance of adequate, predictable, and accessible financing, capacity-building, and technology cooperation. They further emphasized the right to self-determination, as well as the need for inclusive and gender-responsive participation.

CBD Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker emphasized that “this is the beginning of the journey,” leading to Yerevan, Armenia, for COP 17, noting that “we still have mountains to climb to make the full promise of SB8j a reality for our Convention.”

Indigenous Co-Chair Gunn-Britt Retter, Arctic region, emphasized that the urgency of the biodiversity crisis underscores the pressing need for resources to sustain and enhance biodiversity actions, in particular led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Acting Co-Chair Daniela Durán González, Colombia, stressed that “we are part of history today”; emphasized the need to keep the momentum and make progress toward COP 17; and gaveled the meeting to a close at 8:28 pm.