Reporting from COP16 in Cali, Colombia
On Sunday, October 20, COP16 officially opened with remarks from prominent leaders, including President Gustavo Petro, Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The event also celebrated Colombia’s rich cultural heritage with a vibrant performance by Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendant communities, showcasing traditional music and dance that highlighted their connection to the land and biodiversity.
In his COP16 address, President Gustavo Petro honored Indigenous Peoples, drawing on their contributions for conservation of biodiversity. He also raised concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence, describing it as a potential threat to humanity. He warned that AI, driven by massive energy demands, could lead to environmental collapse if left unchecked. Petro argued that AI’s advancement, especially in military and economic applications, risks prioritizing profits and control over ecological and human well-being. He called for public regulation of AI to ensure it does not compromise the planet or society’s future.
Minister Susana Muhamad, who also serves as COP16 President, spoke at the opening and highlighted the critical role of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in achieving sustainable environmental goals. She stressed that “peace with nature” depends on honoring these communities’ unique knowledge and leadership in biodiversity protection. Muhamad emphasized that Indigenous perspectives on living harmoniously with the land are essential, especially as Colombia navigates an energy transition away from fossil fuels.
In a video message at COP16's opening, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of reversing biodiversity loss, stating that humanity is "not on the right path." He urged world leaders to move beyond words to concrete actions, reinforcing that the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) must drive genuine, on-the-ground change. Guterres highlighted the importance of this summit in advancing commitments to protect ecosystems and restore balance with nature, calling on all nations to accelerate their efforts to achieve the targets set in the GBF.
Key Developments Impacting Indigenous Peoples at COP16
Advocating for a Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j)
Indigenous Peoples are advocating for a permanent subsidiary body, seeing it as vital to secure consistent and meaningful participation within the CBD, to enhance their political leverage on biodiversity issues, and to allow pathways for securing adequate funding for Indigenous Peoples’ biodiversity stewardship. Some of the arguments from countries against the establishment of a new subsidiary body include budgetary implications and duplicated work, favoring instead the integration option. However, the Secretariat conducted a budget analysis on the creation of a subsidiary body and concluded that the cost of this option is zero or minimal.
In ongoing discussions, support from countries has been growing for the establishment of a Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j). While some countries argue that the existing programme of work could continue through established bodies such as the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), Indigenous advocates underscore the need for a subsidiary body to enhance the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in the convention.
Resource Mobilization
The resource mobilization discussions at COP16 are seeing very slow progress, largely due to a divide between developed and developing countries on the best approach to meet Target 19 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBFF). Developed countries are advocating for continuing with existing mechanisms, arguing that the Global Environment Facility (GEF) needs more time to demonstrate its effectiveness. They caution that implementing a new mechanism now may complicate resource allocation. In contrast, developing countries are pushing for the establishment of a new global instrument, worried that without it, much-needed funds will be delayed in reaching the ground.
Indigenous Peoples are advocating to be identified as key beneficiaries and have direct access to these funds, recognizing their integral role in biodiversity stewardship. Recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples is not enough. Recognition has to be followed by financial support for Indigenous stewardship.
What are the alternatives?
The Podong Indigenous Peoples Initiative, launched at COP28 in December 2023, is a groundbreaking funding model created to support Indigenous-led conservation and climate projects. Named after the Marma word for “basket,” the initiative symbolizes a collective resource pool aimed at empowering Indigenous communities as primary beneficiaries. With a funding goal of $200 million through 2030, Podong promises that at least 85% of funds will go directly to Indigenous territories, minimizing administrative barriers.
Indigenous Peoples hope that countries will make more commitments to the Podong initiative during COP16.
Access and Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms for the use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) of Genetic Resources:
In the ongoing DSI negotiations, Indigenous Peoples are advocating for direct access to the benefits derived from the use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on Genetic Resources. They propose that they should be the primary beneficiaries of the fund, and that the majority of the fund should be allocated to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, underscoring their role as stewards of biodiversity. Some countries are exploring a tiered funding model to facilitate direct support, while others propose allocating a percentage of the fund to Indigenous Peoples, with flexibility for adjustments based on the fund's size.
Indigenous representatives have voiced strong opposition to using the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a managing body for these funds, advocating instead for a more streamlined, accessible, and direct funding structure.
It is likely that these negotiations will not be finalized at this COP and will be carried over to COP17.
Monitoring Framework of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Countries recently agreed to remove brackets around the headline indicators for Target 22—specifically regarding "land-use change" and "land tenure in the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and local communities,” which moves the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) closer to a more robust monitoring framework. Once this decision is formally adopted, countries will be required to report on these indicators, strengthening accountability around land rights and land-use impacts within Indigenous territories.
Upcoming Events
Launching the Indigenous Peoples Principles and Protocols for Just Transition
Nearly 100 Indigenous leaders from around the world unanimously agreed on defining a Just Transition for Indigenous Peoples affected by the shift to “green” energy. This consensus is outlined in the document "Indigenous Peoples Principles and Protocols for Just Transition," created at the summit held October 8-10, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.
We are co-organizing a side event at COP16 with the Indigenous Peoples Global Coordinating Committee (IPGCC) to showcase this landmark document and encourage participants to integrate its principles into biodiversity conservation and climate action strategies.
WHEN:
🗓️ October 29
🕒 16:45–18:00 COT
WHERE:
📍 Indigenous Peoples and local communities Pavilion, Place Quebec, COP16
This event will be presented in English and Spanish.
Panel Discussion: “A Safe & Just Energy Transition: Securing Indigenous Peoples Rights and Protecting Nature in the Sourcing of Transition Minerals."
Join us for a crucial discussion at COP16 we’re hosting with the GCA Accountability Accelerator on how protecting Indigenous Peoples' rights is essential to halting biodiversity loss and addressing the unintended impacts of transition mineral extraction. This event will explore solutions for ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
WHEN:
🗓️ October 30
🕒 10:30–11:30 COT
WHERE:
📍 Nature Positive Pavilion (Blue Zone)
👉 Register: HERE
As COP16 progresses, we invite all participants to join us in recognizing the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity conservation and advocating for their rights in ongoing discussions.
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