(2nd Session) First meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (SB8J)
Conferences
Date: 27 October 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k16/k16ss8ylbz
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [0:01]:

Thank you, dear colleagues. Welcome. We hope that you had a very good lunch, that you are recharged for the session that we have today. I will be facilitating this session and chairing this session on behalf of the COP presidency. So it's a pleasure to be here with you today. We hope that you had enjoyed the side events that we had during lunchtime. We are now moving us forward to item four of our organization of work concerning the modus operandi of the subsidiary body on Article 8 and other provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity related to indigenous peoples and local communities. It is my ambition that we can complete a first reading and a first discussion on item four, but also on item five, on the implementation of work of Article 8j by 6:00 p.m. My co-chair and I count on your cooperation for this so we can progress our discussions as smoothly as possible. I would like now to invite the Secretariat to introduce the documentation that we have for this item.


CBD Secretariat · Secretariat [1:17]:

Thank you, Chair. In decision 16/5, the Conference of the Parties requested the Subsidiary Body on Article 8 at its first meeting to further elaborate and finalize its modus operandi on the basis of the draft contained in recommendation 12.2/2 of the ad hoc open-ended intercessional working group on Article 8. To support this process, Parties, indigenous people and local communities and relevant stakeholders were invited to provide their views and information on the draft modus operandi in response to notification 2025/061. A compilation of the submission received was made available as an information document. An additional reference material The draft version of the modus operandi resulting from the discussion held in several contact group sessions during COP 16 was included in document CBD/COP/16/L6, which has also been made available as an information document. Before you is document CBD/SBJ/1/3. And this note provides a synthesis of views and information received and its annex reproduces the draft modus operandi contained in recommendation 12.2 of the ad hoc open-ended intercessional working group pursuant to decision 16/5. Thank you, Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [2:54]:

Thank you very much, dear Secretariat and colleagues. I would like to recall that COP16 requested this subsidiary body to further develop the modus operandi, and this is one of the substantive items that we have for the discussions ahead of this week. I would like to propose in this session that we focus the discussion on the way forward on how are we going to take and to advance the discussions on the organization of work. As the Secretariat mentioned, we have two documents ahead of us to discuss. We have CBD/SP/AJ/1/3 and we also have document CBD/SP/AJ/1/INF/3. We have been from the Presidency conducting extensive consultations in preparation for this meeting, and we recognize that there is a lot of views and that we will need a wide discussion on the modus operandi to progress and to present a clean text as possible to COP17. In that sense, we would like to propose from the Presidency that we take this discussion into a contact group that can session 30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. And we would like to propose to the parties that in this contact group we have the textual discussions and your textual proposals presented in this contact group so we take advantage as much as we can from the little time we have to engage in these discussions. In that sense, we would like to open the floor and to propose to you that We open the floor in this plenary session to gather your views on the proposed organization of work for this agenda item, as well as on the documents that we have right now ahead of us to advance and to progress these discussions, which I repeat are CBD/SB/AJ/1/3, CBD/SB/AJ/1/INF/3. So with that in mind, I count on all of you so we can have concrete statements about the proposed organization of work, the documents that we have ahead of us, and I would like to propose to the parties to propose to the plenary that the textual recommendations that we might have on the modus operandi in item 4 is something that we can discuss in depth in the contact group, so that's something that can be captured there as fully as possible. So with that being said, I would like to open the floor for parties to engage on this proposed organization of work and to provide general statements on the documents that we have on the table and on the way forward for this discussion. I now give the floor to the indigenous peoples and local communities.


IIFB [6:04]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Before I begin the statement, I would like to address the direct question regarding the organization of work. We believe that the document contained in INF/3, which is the L6 document from COP16, represents the latest status of the discussions, and we would be happy to work on that basis. in the context of a contact group. Now I deliver the general comments on behalf of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity. Adoption of the modus operandi is essential to fulfilling the promise of the subsidiary body on Article 8 and other provisions of the convention relevant for indigenous peoples and local communities as a powerful platform for dialogue and cooperation in achieving the goals of the KMGBF. The text before us contains a few brackets that we hope can be cleared at this meeting. Our proposals on the modus operandi are guided by the following principles. Number one, applying mutatis mutandis, the established and effective practices of the ad hoc open-ended working group on Article 8 and related provisions. Number two, simplicity and avoiding overly prescriptive language. And number three, the modus operandi should not be more burdensome for indigenous peoples and local communities than for parties. Full, effective, inclusive, and equitable participation must respect the self-selection processes led by indigenous peoples and local communities, including women and youth, promoting diversity and allowing language and accessibility barriers to be overcome. In accordance with target 22 of the KMGBF, it is important for the subsidiary body to ensure representation and not just participation. In view of the adoption of decision 16/5, all brackets around the word subsidiary body must be lifted and the mandate as contained in paragraph 1 of decision 16/5 should be used to replace the text in paragraph 1b. of the annex to SB8J/1/3. With regard to the Bureau and co-chairs, following the mutatis mutandis principle, the subsidiary body should continue to maintain the two co-chairs who should be elected by the COP. One co-chair shall be nominated by the Parties and the other nominated by indigenous peoples and local communities through their own governance structures, representative bodies, representatives and organizations on a rotational basis among the seven socio-cultural regions defined by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Experience in the processes of the Convention, gender balance and culturally relevant expertise shall be taken into account. The existing national focal points can continue to be the focal points of the subsidiary body on Article 8j. We further urge parties to designate additional focal points from indigenous peoples and local communities. They should have experience in the process of the CBD and competence in matters related to indigenous peoples and local communities. And they should ensure continued engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities at the national and local level. Thank you, Madam Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [9:46]:

Thank you very much. Thank you very much to indigenous peoples and local communities. Before going to our next speaker, which is Colombia, I would like to ask if there is any party that supports the intervention made by indigenous peoples and local communities. I see Canada, Panama, Nigeria, New Zealand. Okay, thank you very much. Now I would like to give the floor to Colombia, please.


Colombia [10:20]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. The Murosa Parani is the heart of this meeting. Colombia recognizes the fundamental importance of the Murosa Parani to ensure the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples, local communities and Afro-descendant peoples in implementation of the Convention. The SB should ensure that the Indigenous communities and local populations should not just be observers but full participants and should have a say in all of the technical, political and cultural fora. The modus operandi shouldn't restrict the scope of participation. Administrative efficiency cannot become a criterion that limits the voice of those who have historically protected biodiversity. Otherwise, On the contrary, adequate use of resources should promote intercultural territorial cooperation with a generational and gender approach in preparatory meetings and using local methods. and consultations as needed. We support the proposal for the co-chairs of the subsidiary body be on a rotational basis reflecting the diversity of the seven social cultural regions recognized and respecting experience, gender and the criteria set out in HA. Colombia highlights the need to prioritize the participation of women and youth in the various decision-making and discussion levels. Women have historical memory and are guardians of the land. Youth represent the future. For this reason, the participation mechanisms should include methodologies for territorial dialogue specifically intended to strengthen their leadership capacities and active presence in biodiversity governance. With regard to the functions of the SB, we propose that there be explicit relationship between traditional knowledge and implementation of the convention and the Kunming-Montreal Framework, especially sections three. This coordination will ensure that traditional knowledge is recognized not just as complementary, but as a pillar of implementation and monitoring of the global framework. Finally, Colombia highlights the importance of implementing decision 16/6. Its inclusion in the functional structure of the body will enhance the cultural dimension and confirm the connection between cultural and biodiversity. And we are in favor of a participatory, inclusive and effective body that reflects the voice, wisdom and self-determination of the peoples and communities under the Convention. Thank you very much.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [13:38]:

Gracias, Colombia. Now I would like to give the floor to Guatemala, followed by Australia.


Guatemala [13:48]:

Gracias. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Guatemala. as a mega-diverse country recognizes the importance of having a modus operandi for the Subsidiary Body to be adopted at COP17. And so we have reviewed in depth the proposal and we focused on those texts that were placed in brackets at the COP16. We understand that there is consensus on the rest of the text, and therefore we encourage the parties to, insofar as possible, focus discussions only on text in brackets and thus bring a clean document forward for adoption at the next COP. Guatemala will be submitting to Secretariat its comments regarding the text in the annex in writing. Thank you very much.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [14:48]:

Muchisimas gracias.

Thank you very much, Guatemala.

I give the floor to Australia, followed by Denmark.


Australia [14:55]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. As this is the first time Australia is taking the floor at this meeting, Australia would like to acknowledge the indigenous peoples of Panama and pay our respects for their contribution to the protection and conservation of biodiversity. We extend this thanks to all indigenous peoples and communities who embody traditional lifestyles, who are also here at this historic first meeting of the subsidiary body on Article 8 and related provisions. Australia recognizes the essential role indigenous peoples and local communities play across the work we do in this convention and in the overall protection and conservation of biodiversity. We see it as important to ensure that the proposed modus operandi for the subsidiary body on Article 8 and other provisions supports the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, while also maintaining a party led process.

Australia proposes that the subsidiary.

Body continues to operate under the same processes of the formal working group on Article 8J, including the same co chair arrangements as the working group.

We agree with Guatemala to focus on the bracketed text only at this meeting.

And finally, Australia would like to note that additional funding should not be required to ensure the function of the subsidiary body on Article 8a.

Operations and costs under what was the working group on Article 8a should be replicated as closely as possible. Australia will convey our proposed text amendments during the contact group as proposed by the co-chairs. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [16:21]:

Thank you very much, Australia. Now I would like to give the floor to Denmark, followed by the Russian Federation, and I would like to remind you, dear colleagues, to include in your statements views with regard to the proposed way forward for this session. Thank you very much. Denmark, you have the floor.


Denmark · EU [16:39]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm speaking on behalf of the European Union and its 27 member states. One of the major successes of CBD COP 16 is the historic decision 16/5, in which the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity decided to establish a third subsidiary body with a mandate to provide advice on matters of relevance to indigenous peoples and local communities within the scope of the Convention and its protocols. The European Union and its Member States came to Panama to take part in the first meeting of the SBHJ to further elaborate and finalize its modus operandi. We were ready to accept the modus operandi after negotiations in several contact groups in Cali. We therefore consider the draft presented in Information Document 3 as more advanced and will be reintroducing solutions found in this document into the draft recommendation contained in SB/AJ/1/3 to build on the progress achieved in Cali. The European Union and its Member States value the established procedures and practices of the ad hoc open-ended inter-sessional working group on Article 8a and are of the view that meaningful, inclusive and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, as agreed on in task 6.1 of the programme of work on Article 8a one year ago in Cali is a prerequisite of an operational SB 8a. At the same time, we acknowledge that the Convention is party-led, and so are the three subsidiary bodies. We would like to see the newly established body operating effectively and cost efficiently. We also see the need to respect the mandates of the three SBs. other ad hoc advisory bodies and the COP. And lastly, the European Union and its 27 Member States wish to adopt a long-lasting modus operandi, which should not be limited to promoting the implementation of the programme of work contained in the annex to Decision 16/4, but more general to support implementation of Article 8 and other provisions of the Convention related to indigenous peoples and local communities. We will submit our amendments in writing and are ready to come in on those in the contact group later this evening. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [19:22]:

I thank Denmark on behalf of the European Union. Now I give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by South Africa.


Russian Federation [19:33]:

Co-Chair, colleagues, We welcome the establishment of a new subsidiary body under the convention in which the parties play a leading role, and we are ready for constructive discussion and adoption of the modus operandi based on the annex in document three, provided that a number of provisions are taken into account that we consider fundamental. Firstly, the classification of regions for the nomination of friends of the Bureau of the subsidiary body, we consider it appropriate to use the classification of five UN regions established in the convention system. A system of seven socio-cultural regions is not consistent with the new status of the subsidiary body. This position is based on the established discriminatory understanding of the Arctic as a place inhabited only by the Sami and Inuit. It should be recalled that the Arctic is the ancestral home of 17 indigenous small-numbered peoples and other peoples of Russia for whom this region is their ancestral home. We also believe that the region should include other Arctic peoples, the Athabascans, the Gwich'in, and the Aleuts. Secondly, the Friends of the Bureau should not be elected in a personal capacity, but only as nominees of legitimate indigenous peoples organizations that are officially registered in the country of residence and that have strong ties with local indigenous communities. Thirdly, Friends of the Bureau should serve on a rotational basis, no more than two consecutive terms, similar to the rules of procedure for the Bureau of the COP and SubSTA. The requirements applied to the co-chair of the subsidiary body who represents indigenous peoples and local communities should be clarified, similar to the representative of the parties, and a requirement should be added that co-chairs must be from different UN regions. We also propose a rotation system with a one-step-ahead approach to provide transparency in election planning. We propose adding a reference to the obligation of states hosting meetings of any subsidiary bodies of the CBD to guarantee the issuance of visas for officially approved delegates and members of the governing bodies of subsidiary bodies. The new independent standing subsidiary body should avoid making unjustified requests of other standing subsidiary bodies and the executive secretary of the convention. Such requests should only be initiated through decisions of the Conference of the Parties. Specific amendments to the text of the modus operandi based on the annex in document three will be submitted in accordance with the established procedure. We are ready to participate in a constructive discussion of the document in the contact group. Thank you very much for

your attention.


South Africa · Africa Group [22:40]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. South Africa delivers this statement on behalf of the Africa Group. Africa welcomes the establishment of this subsidiary body as a milestone in strengthening the recognition, respect and protection of the rights, knowledge systems and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities under the Convention and its protocols. Africa acknowledges the work undertaken by the working group during the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties on the proposed modus operandi of the subsidiary body on Article 8 and other provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity related to indigenous peoples and local communities. We welcome that through a permanent subsidiary body, the need for full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities will be advanced. Madam Chair, Africa acknowledges that like other subsidiary bodies of the Convention, the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j should function under the authority and guidance of and be accountable to the Conference of Parties and it should take into account the roles and functions of other subsidiary bodies to ensure complementarity and avoid overlaps and duplication of efforts. In addition, Africa emphasizes that the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities should complement rather than diminish the roles of other groups. Such participation should be regionally balanced, transparent, inclusive and gender responsive. We also support a subsidiary body that is party-led, with the view that the mandate of the subsidiary body should be continued even beyond 2030 again Africa acknowledges the foundation laid by the working group on article AJ and the Bureau of the sub body on ensuring that indigenous peoples and local communities are as recognised and participate meaningfully as co chairs of the subsidiary bodies on Article 8j. Africa has proposed several amendments, Madam Chair, to the draft modus operandi, including revisions to paragraphs 9 and 11 to ensure that nominees of indigenous peoples and local communities are endorsed by the respective parties and that participation upholds geographical balance, gender equality and transparency. Africa further proposes that the requirement for prior experience in CBD processes for the IPLCs co-chair should be waived, recognizing existing capacity gaps with such experience to be developed through post-nomination capacity building. In addition, the invitation of IPLCs as friends of the Bureau, we think it should be undertaken in consultation of the relevant state parties. The Africa Group stand ready to engage constructively towards a practical, inclusive and efficient modus operandi that enables this subsidiary body to fulfil its mandate and strengthen the implementation of Article 8a and related provisions of the Convention. Again, we welcome the opportunity to discuss this item further in the contact group tonight and we will participate in that platform to ensure that the inputs reflected in the document that we worked on are considered. We actually worked on a document and will be submitting the complete set of the proposed amendment to the document text. I thank you, Madam Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [26:34]:

Thank you very much to South Africa on behalf of the African group. Now I give the floor to Malaysia, followed by Canada.


Malaysia [26:45]:

Thank you, Madam Kocher. As parties advance discussion on modus operandi, Malaysia offers the following principles to ensure effectiveness, equity, and legitimacy of this subsidiary body. First, on recognition of customary and community entrusted system. Malaysia underscores that the identification of indigenous people is determined through our national legal and customary system, including native customary right and community-based governance. We recognize that indigenous-led organizations such as foundations, cooperative and NGOs play an important role in representing communities and supporting their participation in policy and financial processes. Accordingly, Malaysia emphasizes that representation and eligibility should be guided by national framework consistent with constitutional and customary law. Recognition should focus on whether institution are generally mandated by and accountable to their communities. This approach ensures that customary councils and indigenous-led organizations rooted in community governance remain eligible while preventing entities without community legitimacy from claiming representation. This approach safeguards party sovereignty. honours indigenous self-determination and support the effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Secondly, Malaysia support the establishment of clear modalities for nomination for IPLC representative, which has to promote transparency and predictability in nomination and selection processes. demonstrating community mandate or customary legitimacy, as well as to ensure gender balance, intergenerational inclusion and equitable rotation. Regarding statement in paragraph three of the recommendation, Malaysia views adequate and predictable financing is critical to ensure full and effective participation. Therefore, Malaysia supports centering the Special Voluntary Trust Fund and promoting equitable access for indigenous people and local communities from all regions while recognizing national circumstances. Finally, Malaysia also views that this subsidiary body should serve as a platform to advance cooperation and support the implementation of GBF targets. Therefore, Malaysia encourages modalities that prioritizes outcome, shared learning and accountability to the biodiversity custodian on the ground. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [29:51]:

Thank you very much to Malaysia. Now I would like to give the floor to Canada, followed by Norway. Canada, you have the floor.


Canada [29:58]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.

We support the wave four that you've proposed. We are happy to submit our specific textual changes in writing in the context of the contact group later this evening as requested. We would like to note our support for the statements by Australia and Guatemala. We also feel that the modus operandi is already well advanced and only has a few areas that need to be resolved. As per your request, Madam Co-Chair, we will only like to offer the following high level comments. Firstly, on functions and procedural matters, Canada supports clear language in the recommendation that outlines the collaborative linkages between the SBHA and the other subsidiary bodies of the CBD. While recognizing that SBHJ is its own distinct body with its own mandate and does not rely on the functions of the other subsidiary bodies, Canada supports the intervention of Denmark on behalf of the EU regarding the functions of the SBHG being tied to all future programs of work and all future

strategic frameworks of the CBD.

Secondly, related to its Bureau and co-chairs, Canada strongly supports the role of representatives of Indigenous peoples within the Bureau and as co-chairs, and would suggest some additional wording calling for clear process to be followed for the nomination of those representatives. The nomination process should be agreed to by both IIFB and the organizations that Indigenous peoples have chosen to represent them within each of the seven social cultural regions. on a rotating basis, respecting their procedures and structures.

Thirdly, related to budgetary matters, while

Canada strongly supports the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples within SBHA, as well as representatives from developing country parties, we would want to reiterate that support provided to both developing country parties and indigenous peoples to participate in the CBD meetings is done through the voluntary trust fund. which are outside the scope and control really of the subsidiary body and its modus operandi.

We look forward to the discussions continuing in the contact group. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [32:21]:

Thank you very much, Canada. Now I give the floor to Norway, followed by Brazil.


Norway [32:38]:

Thank you so much, co-chair. Taking the floor for the first time today, Norway too would like to acknowledge that we are on the territory of the indigenous peoples of Panama and also to take the opportunity to thank Panama for hosting us. With regard to the issues at hand, and as a country of two peoples, Norway stands firm on the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination, sorry, including their own procedures for their representation as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, supporting the open statement of the IAFB and later Canada and Guatemala, as well as Denmark on behalf of the EU, and in continuation importantly of the established practice of the Working Group on IJ, Norway will also support the proposal for two co-chairs, one nominated by the parties and one by indigenous peoples and local communities through their own procedures for nomination. Norway does not consider that any of these challenges the premise that SBHJ, like all other work under the convention or KMGPF, is party-led. Norway will be prepared to work on the draft text from Cali to remove brackets that challenge indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and their own representation, while at the same time seeking to reassure parties who feel that this challenges the premise of the party-led working methods and procedures for decisions. While we too will seek to see the new body operate cost efficiently, Norway will also work to remove brackets that seek to limit the functions and functioning of the new body through budgetary constraints beyond those that frame all decisions. Also, in continuation of established practice from the working group on HJ, Norway will also support that indigenous peoples representatives appointed at one meeting of the parties serve until the next meeting of the parties. in order to ensure continuity and that indigenous peoples, as well as local community representatives, are given the opportunity to act as co-chairs for working groups and contact groups on an equal footing with representatives of the parties and to give opening statements in addition to giving local indigenous representatives the opportunity for a ceremonial blessing or spiritual guidance. for the meeting in question as we have witnessed in a most beautiful and dignified manner earlier today. Thank you so much.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [35:38]:

Thank you very much Norway. Now I would like to give the floor to Brazil followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


Brazil [35:47]:

Thank you Madam Co-Chair. Brazil thanks the Secretariat for preparing documents sorry, SB8J/1/3 and the compilation of you containing a document informative document four. Brazil acknowledges the essential contributions of the International Indigenous Forum of Biodiversity and other institutions of indigenous peoples and local communities. At the same time, we underscore that the SBAG is a party-led intergovernmental body operating under the authority of the Conference of the Parties, and its work must be conducted in full coherence and complementarity with the SBSTA and the SBi, avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring the continuity of existing work streams under the Convention. Brazil considers that the modus operandi should foresee sub-regional rotation and specific modalities to guarantee the participation of all relevant groups, including communities of African descent with traditional lifestyles. Brazil supports a cost-efficient operation of the subsidiary body, including the possibility of holding meetings back-to-back with other subsidiary bodies, and calls for the transparent presentation of budgetary implications of each meeting. Finally, as the entire annex remains bracketed, we believe that limiting the debate only to items bracketed in document SPA/8J/1/3 would unduly curtail parties' right to participate fully in discussions. We therefore request deliberations remain open on the entire annex, when deemed necessary to ensure an inclusive and fair process. In sum, Brazil is committed to contributing constructively to the development of a modus operandi that ensures balanced participation, efficiency and coherence. We look forward to continue the discussions in the contact group. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [37:57]:

Thank you very much, Brazil. Now I would like to give the floor to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by China.


Democratic Republic of the Congo [38:09]:

Thank you very much, co-chair, for giving me the floor. The Democratic Republic of Congo supports the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the African group. The DRC appreciates the creation and operationalization of the subsidiary body 8 and other provisions of the biodiversity convention related to the indigenous peoples and local communities. We remind that the subsidiary body 8 is not the continuation of the working group, the open-ended working group on 8J. The subsidiary body replaced, in fact, the working group and as such does not have to continue the same practices or procedures established by the working group and, in fact, could change the procedures established. including by the Convention and its bodies. Decision 16/5, the subsidiary body, HJ, was entrusted by COP of taking into account in considering the modus operandi of certain elements, including the need for a full-fledged participation by indigenous peoples and local communities. And this will be a party-led process. And finally, the criteria and the processes for selecting the representatives of the indigenous peoples and local communities will have to be determined at each meeting so that they can participate as friends of the Bureau in the framework of these modalities. However, the modus operandi must promote inclusivity and not exclusivity, diversity and not diversion. The modus operandi must seek balance between indigenous peoples and local communities without trying to separate the two and create discrimination, as could happen in the participation of meetings and in designating friends of the Bureau. Madam Co-Chair, the DRC takes note and would like to have its position in the report that the document 1/3, INF/3, should be taken into account in these discussions. But cannot be because it is not available in the six UN languages. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [41:28]:

Thank you very much to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now I give the floor to China followed by Indonesia.


China [41:38]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. China thanks the Secretary for putting this note on this agenda item. Modus operandis of Subsidiary Body A/J and other provisions, we believe this Subsidiary Body should, under the Convention's mandate and party-led principle, work efficiently and pragmatically focusing on resources efficiency. We support maximizing the use of existing resources and holding meetings back-to-back with other subsidiary bodies in order to reduce cost, optimize limited resources and enable broader participation. The subsidiary AJ's agenda should focus on core functions and remain streamlined, targeted, and action-oriented to ensure effective outcomes of its subsidiary body meetings. We support COP's Bureau serving as concurrently bureaus of this body to maintain coherence and reinforce the leadership of the parties, party-led process. Regarding co-chairs, we support one nominated by parties and one by indigenous peoples and local communities, emphasizing candidates should have relevant competency and experience so they can play the role of leadership. We recognize the value of continued Friends of the Bureau mechanism while stressing the nominations should be self-led by indigenous people and local communities to ensure legitimacy and effectiveness. We also know proposals to expand functions or create new coordination mechanisms. We engage constructively to engage the final modus operandi maintains remains balanced and feasible. This body should work within its current mandate, avoid functional overlaps or procedural burdens, strengthen collaboration with other subsidiary bodies and international organizations to advance the objectives of the Convention, Protocols and K-NGBF. Finally, we encourage continued contributions to the Voluntary Trust Fund for participation of indigenous people and local communities and enhance capacity building support and ensure full effective participation, particularly those from the developing countries. Thank you very much, Madam Co-Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [44:13]:

Thank you very much, China. Now I give the floor to Indonesia, followed by India.


Indonesia [44:19]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Indonesia recognize the important roles, customary practices, and appropriate customary governance tradition of indigenous people and local communities in conserving, restoring, and sustainable using biodiversity. The contribution are essential and complement national implementations. At the same time, recall the parties bear the primary responsibility for fulfilling obligation under the convention. For that reason, we believe the modus operandi of this subsidiary body should reflect three core pillars. First, party-led process with clear authority. The subsidiary body must cooperate as a party-led mechanism. Inputs and recommendations from IPLC experts and observers are crucial and should be fully considered. However, decision-making authority should rest with parties to maintain accountability and legal certainty in implementations. Second, transparent and nationally consistent selection mechanisms. Indonesia proposes that the document clearly outline modalities for the selection of IPLC representatives consistent with parties' national legislations and terminologies. This ensures representation is legitimate, inclusive, and aligned with each party's national context. Third, budget neutrality and cost efficiency. Indonesia supports strong IPLC participations while emphasizing the need to maintain budget neutrality in the core of COP budget. Any additional intercessional work or capacity building activities should be financed through voluntary contribution or existing trust funds. Madam co-chair, Indonesia is open to further refining the text to provide operational clarity while preserving inclusiveness. We believe that by reaffirming the party-led national consistent nationally consistent and fiscally responsible approach this subsidiary body can effectively deliver on its mandates we stand ready to collaborate constructively with all delegation and stakeholders to reach consensus language and strengthen biodiversity actions empowers communities and ensure implementations remains coherence participatory and effective thank you madam co-chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [46:42]:

Thank you very much, Indonesia. Now I give the floor to India, followed by Malawi.


India [46:50]:

Thank you, co-chair. India appreciates the Secretariat for preparing the detailed note on the draft modus operandi of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8. After analyzing the submissions received from Parties, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant organizations, we welcome the opportunity to share perspectives and contribute constructively to developing an effective and implementable modus operandi to fulfill the mandates by the SBI AJ for the benefit of the indigenous and the local communities. India wishes to state that the subsidiary body should function under the guidance of the conference of the parties, ensuring it complements other subsidiary bodies and promotes a coordinated efficient work We stress the importance of the scheduling the subsidiary bodies meeting back-to-back with other subsidiary bodies to ensure cost efficiency, minimize the burden on parties and enhance policy coherence. We wish to mention that the subsidiary body should focus on reviewing and promoting the implementation of the program of work on Article 8. This reflects its advisory role while supporting parties in integrating traditional knowledge and community practices into biodiversity conservation. This approach aligns with the national priorities of empowering local communities and strengthening community-led conservation efforts. We welcome governance arrangements that foster inclusivity and fair representation, We support the proposed co-chairing modality with one chair nominated by parties and other representatives of the indigenous people and the local communities to be elected by the conference of parties. Furthermore, we endorse the continuation of the established practice of inviting representatives from the seven socio-cultural reasons to participate as friends of the Bureau. India emphasizes the need for active collaboration with the UN agencies and international processes recognizing the vital role of the indigenous people and the local communities to build synergies share experiences and strengthen global efforts for biodiversity conservation and living in harmony with nature India wishes to reaffirm our commitment to a subsidiary body that is advisory, COP-driven, party-led, and fully inclusive. It should ensure the meaningful participation of the indigenous people and the local communities based on the indigenous-led and community-defined nomination process, respect national circumstances, and promote coherent, impactful action across all CBD processes. This requires sustained support through the financial resources, capacity building, language, access and cultural appropriate engagement. I thank you, co-chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [49:59]:

Thank you, India. Now I give the floor to Malawi, followed by Panama.


Malawi [50:06]:

Thank you, Madam co-chair. Malawi supports the statement read by South Africa on behalf of Africa group. Malawi considers this agenda item as fundamental in guiding the operation of the subsidiary body on Article 8A and other provisions on the convention related to indigenous people and local communities. We therefore look forward to clear and sound models of parent that is accommodative and inclusive, considering variation among parties regarding issues surrounding indigenous people and local communities, women and youth. Madam Chair, regarding the Bureau and chair Malawi wish to emphasize the need for nomination of representatives of indigenous people and local communities to be endorsed by representative par Malawi is committed to contribute constructively under this agenda item We also would like to emphasize that indigenous peoples and local communities representatives from other countries who have not had a chance for CBD experience should have opportunities to participate in the relevant roles and processes under this body to ensure representativeness. We have textural changes to this draft decision to be submitted to the secretariat in writing. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [51:40]:

Thank you, Malawi. Now I give the floor to Panama, followed by Togo.


Panama [51:48]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. First of all, we would like to thank Secretariat for preparing this paper. Panama believes that the adoption of the modus operandi is a structural step to comply with the COP16 mandate. Any new subsidiary body that systematically works under the convention and not ad hoc has to ensure full participation and protection of rights in accordance with the Kunming-Montreal framework. To ensure this institutional consistency, Panama highlights that the body should preserve the joint chairmanship, one chairman nominated by the parties and the other by the indigenous peoples and local communities in accordance with their self-selection procedures. This is not just a political gesture to confer procedural legitimacy. complementarity with substance SBI is essential to avoid duplication, but it should not result in subordination. There should be protections and safeguards under decisions 16/4, 16/5 and under the provisions of the framework. The mandate should be upheld. The modus operandi should also reflect gender intergenerational approach to decision making in implementation and reporting. And there should be realistic conditions for the meaningful participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, including women and youth, on the basis of language, financial and procedural methods that eliminate barriers to participate. Panama does not agree to amendments that do away with the co-chairmanship or effective participation of the IPLCs, women or youth. or that restrict the mandate of traditional knowledge. We stand ready to work constructively to lift the brackets in the contact group and yield a functional, legally coherent modus operandi which meets the mandate of COP16. On behalf of small delegations, we would like to have a maximum of two contact groups per night. efficiency is also part of the consensus. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [54:29]:

Gracias, Panama.

Thank you, Panama.

The floor to Togo, followed by Jordan.


Togo [54:37]:

Merci, Madame.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Togo supports the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the Africa Group. Togo welcomes the draft decision CBD/SB/AJ/1/3 regarding the modus operandi of the subsidiary body to monitor implementation of Article 8 and other provisions of the Convention on Biodiversity related to indigenous peoples and local communities. The matter of implementation of Article 8J provisions highlights the requirements for a permanent framework for discussion that will ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities participate fully and effectively in implementation of the Convention on Biodiversity and the related to global biodiversity framework. Thus, the adoption of the declaration establishing the SBHJ is major progress under implementation of the convention. However, procedures of this body rely on the adoption of a fair and equitable structure that will ensure inclusive participation of the various local stakeholders who are attached to the land and the resources, their participation in the discussions of the subsidiary body. Therefore, we believe it is essential to include provisions ensuring rotational chairmanship among the indigenous and local communities rotation groups. This approach will ensure equitable representation and the consideration of a wide range of contributions and concerns of indigenous peoples and local communities. Concrete proposals will be made when this document comes to the contact group. Thank you very much, Madam.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [57:20]:

Thank you very much, Togo. I would like to give the floor to Jordan, followed by Nigeria.


Jordan [57:28]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. At the outset, I would like to extend our words of appreciation to the Secretariat for the preparation of document CBD/SB/H/A/13, because it is an important basis for the further development of the modus operandi of this subsidiary body. We have carefully considered the document. We stress the importance that the SBAG remains an advisory body, thus providing advice and recommendation to the COP without its work having any mandatory or operational impact. This approach ensures that the leadership of the process remains in the hands of the parties. as well as promotes the principle of equal participation and full respect of their sovereignty. We also believe that we should take into account the different realities of countries, especially since not all countries have groups known as indigenous peoples. It is therefore important that instruments and practices be formulated and established in a way that takes into consideration this diversity and reality. The role of local communities should remain consultative in nature and respect the legal and social systems of each state. In this vein, we stress the need to operationalize the role of the national focal point for traditional knowledge in the process of selecting representatives from IPLCs, as well as in the mechanisms for applying for funding. And the aim is to enhance complementarity and coordination between parties and IPLCs. We also emphasised that funding for the SBHJ meetings should not have an incidence on the funding for parties' participation in meetings of the Convention and its protocols, and resource allocation must ensure the participation of all parties, especially developing ones. We believe that coordination between subsidiary bodies and the scheduling of their meetings in a complementary manner will ensure avoiding duplication, enhancing cooperation and the implementation of the targets of the Convention. We thank the secretariat and we will take part in a constructive dialogue with the aim of enhancing a fair and balanced implementation of the Convention. Our statement has been uploaded to website. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:00:00]:

Thank you very much for that last reminder that I'm going to give you all, and it is to please upload your statements for the interpreters. Now I would like to give the floor to Nigeria, followed by Bangladesh.


Nigeria [1:00:16]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. As this is the first time Nigeria is taking the floor, we would like to acknowledge the indigenous people of Panama whose lands we have convened. Nigeria fully aligns with the statement made by South Africa on behalf of Africa. We agree that this new subsidiary body represents an important advancement in ensuring the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in the implementation of the Convention and the KMGBF. Nigeria commends the work undertaken by the ad hoc open-ended working group on Article 19 during COP16, which laid the foundation for the proposed modus operandi under consideration and recognized the importance of co-chairing arrangement with IPLC representatives. We recognize that through this permanent subsidiary body, the need for structured, continuous, and meaningful participation of IPLCs will be institutionalized. We support that this subsidiary body, just like other subsidiary bodies of the convention, should function under the authority of COP, considering the roles of SAFTA and SBI, and to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication of effort. We support a nomination process that allows for endorsement of respective parties and a process that upholds party sovereignty while ensuring inclusion. Nigeria reiterates its readiness to engage constructively with all parties, IPLCs and partners in adopting a practical, inclusive and efficient modus operandi. We reaffirm our commitment to this process and our shared aspiration for a coherent, rights-based and culturally respectful approach that enables IPLCs to play a central role in advancing the objectives of this Convention. Our proposed amendment to the draft modus operandi will be submitted in writing. Thank you, Madam Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:02:13]:

Thank you very much, Nigeria. Now I give the floor to Bangladesh followed by Fiji.


Bangladesh [1:02:23]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. As Bangladesh is talking for the first time, so the country would like to thank the host country, Panama, and the organizer for for the great initiative to organize this historic event. Regarding this modus operandi, Bangladesh welcomes the modus operandi proposed to finalize the subsidiary body on Article 8 and other provisions as a permanent body under the convention. We believe this will enhance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by ensuring that traditional cultural and knowledge-based aspects of biodiversity conservation receive due attention. Bangladesh emphasizes that the subsidiary body should maintain a complementary and non-duplicative relationship with SBSTA and SBI, focusing specifically on indigenous, ethnic and local community engagement and knowledge systems. Regarding the function, Bangladesh supports the proposed functions outlined for the subsidiary body, but recommends the following addition. include a clear mandate to support parties in documenting and integrating traditional and community-based knowledge into national biodiversity policy and reporting, for example, in BSAs and national reports. In the context of Bangladesh, both indigenous and ethnic communities hold valuable traditional knowledge that supports biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, and sustainable resource use. Therefore, the subsidiary body should recognize and include both groups, indigenous and ethnic communities in its working procedures. Regarding operational procedures, Bangladesh supports the procedures and however recommends close cooperation with UN agencies and regional processes to strengthen support for indigenous, ethnic and local communities in biodiversity conservation and traditional knowledge management. Regarding procedural matters, Bangladesh recommends that reporting mechanism under the subsidiary body be designed to ensure clear communication, transparency and timely feedback between the subsidiary body and the conference of the parties, enabling more effective follow-up on decisions and implementation support for developing countries. Bangladesh supports the bureau and co-chair formation, supports the arrangement of having two co-chairs, one nominated by parties and one by representative of indigenous peoples and local communities, with due attention of developing country representation and gender balance. Bangladesh supports the budgetary process but recommends ensuring adequate funding and logistic support to enable full and effective participation of developing country parties, indigenous peoples, ethnic communities and local communities in all meetings and working groups. In the last but not least, Bangladesh supports the documentation process, but like to ensure that the documents be made accessible in format suitable for indigenous, ethnic and local communities representative to facilitate their meaningful participation. Thank you, Chair, for giving me the opportunity.

Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:06:00]:

Thank you very much, Bangladesh. Now I would like to give the floor to Fiji and I'm going to read the speakers that I have in my list because I'm closing the speaker list after this. So I have Fiji followed by Japan, Namibia, Burundi. Afterwards I have the indigenous peoples and local communities on seat 30, women and seat ILC/ITTO/IUCN, which I will ask when you take the floor to identify yourselves. On this, I am closing the speakers list. So I am going to give the floor to Fiji, followed by Japan.


Fiji [1:06:39]:

Thank you, Chair.

As this is the first time Fiji is taking the floor, we respectfully acknowledge the indigenous people of Panama and the Government of Panama, and we are grateful for their enduring stewardship and hospitality during our stay here in Panama. Fiji fully supports the establishment of the subsidiary body on Article 8 as per COP decision 16/5 and the adoption of the modus operandi that can ensure an effective, representational, inclusive and functional space to fully realize the participation of indigenous people and local communities in the work of the convention and its decision-making processes. We also acknowledge the work that was initially undertaken by the ad hoc open-ended intersessional working group on Article 8j. In order to strengthen the effective and inclusive functioning of the subsidiary body and build synergies with other bodies and relevant processes, Fiji encourages Parties to take measures to strengthen mechanisms and increase resources for a full, equitable, inclusive, gender-responsive and effective engagement and participation of indigenous people and local communities, women, youth, persons living with disabilities and environmental human rights defenders at national and subnational level. Relating to focal points, Fiji also encourage parties to consider establishing a technical expert group at national level as appropriate, with experience in the processes of the Convention and competence in matters related to indigenous people and local communities to support the work of the focal point and the implementation and review of article 8 and its related provisions. Lastly, Chair, PG encourages party to support procedures to ensure a fair, inclusive and gender balanced representation of indigenous people and local communities in their functions, as co-chair of the subsidiary body and friends of the Bureau selected through an agreed and established process. I thank you, Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:08:54]:

Thank you very much, Fiji. Now I give the floor to Japan, followed by Namibia, and I see Armenia at the end of the speakers list, so I'm going to close it after Armenia. So Japan, you have the floor.


Japan [1:09:08]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Japan would like also like to underscore the importance of the full and effective participation of IPLCs acknowledging their important roles and contributions as custodians of biodiversity. Regarding model separandi of SBHJ, Japan, like other countries, strongly believes that efficiency of operating the SB should be ensured to maximize its output with the current financial resources. In addition, Japan emphasizes the importance of avoiding potential duplications to pursue its efficiency. Japan would also like to highlight that the paragraph two of COP decision 16/5 articulates that the modal separator should be finalized on the basis of the recommendation 12/2 of the ad hoc open-ended intercessional working group on article 8. and thus the discussion in this SB, including its functions, needs to keep within the scope of this recommendation. Japan also aligns ourselves with distinguished delegates from Guatemala, Australia, and Canada that the text proposal on the draft model SOPRANI be confined to the existing brackets in the recommendation of the working group. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:10:33]:

Thank you very much, Japan. Now I give the floor to Namibia, followed by Burundi.


Namibia [1:10:39]:

Thank you, Madam Kocher. Namibia extends sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Panama for their continued warm hospitality. We also thank the Secretariat for the preparation of the document under this agenda item. Namibia aligns with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the African Group. Namibia views the subsidiary body on Article 8J as the primary advisory body to the Conference of the Parties on all matters related to IPLCs and their traditional knowledge, as the subsidiary body should be allowed to provide expert advice to the COP on the implementation of Article 8J and other related provisions of the Convention. To ensure full and effective participation of indigenous people and local communities in the work of the CBD, Namibia views the need for availing sufficient funding to the subsidiary body to effectively carry out its work. We consider it essential that the modus operandi promotes practical cooperation and clear linkages with other protocols under the Convention on Biological Diversity to prevent duplication of work and ensure that resources are efficiently used. In this regard, we note that Approximately 50% of the Cali Fund is allocated to IPLCs and we therefore underscore the importance of coordination and mainstreaming of financial mechanisms to avoid overlap and enhance impact. Namibia also emphasizes the need to build capacity at community level, particularly in data collection, monitoring and reporting. Tools such as the Indigenous Navigator are available instruments to track contributions of Indigenous peoples and local communities to the coming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. However, further refinement of indicators is required to ensure that they reflect the realities, values, and linguistic delivery of local diversity of local communities. Namibia highlights the importance of strong partnerships and participatory governance frameworks between IPLCs and governments. This collaboration is fundamental to sustaining progress, ensuring equity, and maintaining continuity of work beyond 2030. Lastly, Namibia remains committed to constructive engagement towards a practical and inclusive modus operandi that delivers tangible outcomes for indigenous people and local communities and strengthens implementation of the Convention. Namibia is in agreement with the proposal of the Chair and is ready to participate in the contact group as proposed. Thank you, Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:13:39]:

Thank you very much, Namibia. I give the floor to Burundi, followed by Armenia.


Burundi [1:13:47]:

Thank you very much, Madam Co-Chair, for giving me the floor. Burundi supports the statement by the African Group presented by South Africa and commends the Secretariat for preparing the document on the modus operandi of the subsidiary body. We recognize the importance of indigenous peoples and local communities to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Burundi, as a country with indigenous and local communities, is directly affected by this dimension, that is, relating to participation, rights, and recognition. Burundi recognizes the importance of the participation of local and indigenous communities in biodiversity management. It supports the recognition of traditional knowledge and its integration into national biodiversity strategies. It would therefore be seen as positive for the subsidiary body to have a clear participatory and inclusive role, particularly for local and indigenous communities in the implementation of Article 8J and related provisions. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:15:05]:

Thank you, Burundi. Now I give the floor to Armenia.


Armenia [1:15:18]:

Thank you. I extend our sincere congratulations on the establishment of the subsidiary body on Article 8a and related provisions. This moment marks a milestone for the Convention. With the creation of this dedicated body, we now have a unique opportunity to institutionalize the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in shaping global biodiversity policy. Armenia commends the efforts of the Presidency, the Secretariat, and all parties who have made this achievement possible. The traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities are indispensable for achieving the goals of the Convention. global biodiversity framework. Yet recognition alone is not enough. We must ensure these principles are translated into practice. The traditional knowledge, it is of high importance to agree on the modus operandi of this new subsidiary body to be submitted for adoption at COP17. Equally important will be the program of work of 2030, which together will serve as the foundation for the body's effective and lasting operation. Armenia calls on all parties to ensure that traditional knowledge is meaningfully integrated into the upcoming global report and that this process provides practical, valuable advice for implementation under the Convention. We encourage all parties and observers to engage constructively, inclusively, and with a shared focus on consensus and tangible outcome. The subsidiary body should become a bridge between science, policy and traditional knowledge systems, ensuring decisions are guided by both evidence and wisdom accumulated throughout generations. As the incoming presidency of COP17, Armenia will work closely with all parties and stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of this body are advanced and consolidated in Yerevan. Let this new chapter begin in a spirit of cooperation, trust, and respect for people, for culture, and for nature. I thank you, Madam Chair.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:17:30]:

Thank you very much, Armenia. And with that, we have closed the list of speakers for parties. So now I'm going to give the floor to women, please.


CBD Women Caucus [1:17:41]:

Thank you, thank you, Chair.

I'm speaking on behalf of the CBD Women Caucus. In support of IFFB,

we consider that the subsidiary body on Article 8j must guarantee the representation of indigenous people and local community on equal footing with governments,

ensuring women and youth among them, and in line with Target 22 and embodied gender expertise across all process.

In this regard, we suggest the following amendments to the document CBD/CBAJ/1/3.

Through the document harmonize participation with target 22 and in line with that make sure that after indigenous people and local communities is explicitly mentioned women and youth among them.

Under annex paragraph two delete relevant parts of the and after in particular it's add

section C and after 2030 targets as well as the gender plan of action 2023-2030 under annex paragraph eight after indigenous people and local communities add through their own self-governed process. After developing countries delay taking into account gender balance and add the proposal and selection of candidate should ensure gender balance and expertise.

Under Annex paragraph 10, after subsidiary body add through their own self-determined process ensuring gender balance. And finally under Annex paragraph 15, after designate add and support and after subsidiary body add by providing capacity building and financial resources, the focal point should have

experience in the processes of the Convention and competency matter related to indigenous people and local community in the context of the Convention.

We would like to ask parties for support.

Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:20:06]:

Thank you very much. I would like to remind you that we're not giving textual recommendations in this plenary, so thank you very much for the suggestions and I would encourage you to bring those in the contact group and to discuss these with parties for the support of these textual recommendations in the contact group. So thank you very much for that. Now I will give the floor to the indigenous peoples and local communities on seat 30.


 [1:20:38]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.

I am reading the statement on behalf of the Global Network of Indigenous Women on Biodiversity and the Latin American Indigenous Women's Network. Madam Co-Chair, this is our first intervention and we would like to pay our respects to the indigenous peoples indigenous sisters from the seven regions of the world and in particular the Guna, Embera, Wounan, Gnobe, Bugle, Bribri and Naso-Di'ijie sisters from Panama and their traditional lands. We would like to thank the government and people of Panama for their kind hospitality and for their support to the CDP Secretariat. We are grateful to the governments for their contributions to the CDB Voluntary Fund to support the participation of indigenous women and local communities, as well as other donors that have supported us. We welcome the election of the two co-chairs from our region and from indigenous peoples and local communities. We have seen great progress in the exercise of our collective rights and gender balance, which helps close historic gaps of inequality, invisibility, and development gaps. The indigenous women are raising their voices here and continuing to contribute to the quality, legitimacy, and success of these negotiations. When we we're established in 1998 as an organization we started working together as indigenous women from different regions of the world and we never thought that this day would come since that time we have been working hand in hand side by side with our brothers and sisters and partners every step of the way under the convention Today we are together here today to recognize the achievements with the creation of the subsidiary body on Article 8A and other provisions of the Convention related to indigenous peoples and this first meeting of that body. Madam Co-Chair, on the modus operandi, we recommend joining efforts to ensure that all mechanisms and ensure cooperation with the UN interagency group on indigenous peoples to provide information and create collaboration under the Article 8J subsidiary body, taking account of the meaningful participation of women and young indigenous people. We believe that capacity building should be gender and culturally relevant. implementing the work programme of Article 8 and the Kunming-Montreal targets. We urge parties to adopt intercultural gender-based approach and establish coordination mechanisms with the national focal points on Article 8. We support the statement by the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity as a whole. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Thank you very much.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:24:06]:

Now I would like to give the floor to the seat ILC, ITTO, IUCN and please I'm going to ask you to identify yourself before speaking but not before asking if there are any parties that support the intervention made by IPLC seat number 30. I see no hands on the floor, so I'm going to give the floor to seat ILC, ITTO and IUCN. Please, you have the floor and with this we are closing the speaking list for this agenda item and we are proposing a way forward. Thank you.


IUCN [1:24:42]:

Thank you, co-chair. I am speaking on behalf of IUCN. IUCN welcomes the establishment of the subsidiary body on Article 8 as a crucial institutional mechanism to uphold the implementation of the Convention and the KMBF. This new body represents an important step towards strengthening equity and rights-based approaches in biodiversity governance. But colleagues, new does not mean that we are starting from scratch. The SBAJ should build on, strengthen and importantly ground truth the operational procedures and practices of the preceding working group on Article 8j and include in its functions promoting the implementation and review of the programme of work on Article 8j.

It will be vital.

To ensure the integration of the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities across all aspects of the Convention, including in the work of other subsidiary bodies, as mentioned in other interventions before us. Along these lines, we stress the need for integrated and coherent approaches for biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management and climate resilience. We would thus like the SBAJ to collaborate and exchange with indigenous peoples platforms in other MEAs, UN bodies and others. IUCN also urges Parties to designate national focal points to the SBAJ who are experienced in the processes of the Convention. with competence in matters related to indigenous peoples and local communities and where possible from indigenous peoples and local communities themselves. Finally, Chair, IUCN would like to support the intervention made on this agenda item earlier this afternoon by the IIFB.

I thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:26:53]:

Thank you very much to the IUCN. Are there any parties that would like to support this statement? I see no hands raised on the floor, so give me a second, I will consult and I will be back with a proposal for the way forward. Okay, colleagues, thank you very much for your patience and thank you very much for the constructive interventions that we heard here in the plenary. I believe that it is very key to highlight the willingness of everyone to work constructively towards the establishment of the modus operandi and you can count on this presidency for that objective. way forward that I would like to propose to the floor is as follows. We heard support for the establishment of a contact group to work on these agenda items. So I would like to propose that we establish a contact group that works from tonight onwards and that sessions and I've been informed by the secretariat that there is a reception at 6:30. So the proposal that I would like to give you all to see if that's acceptable is that the contact group works from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM tonight. That is one thing with regards of the second thing that it's on which documents the contact group should start its textual discussions. I've heard support for document INF3, CBT/SBAJ/1/INF3. And I've also heard some parties mentioning the importance of focusing on cleaning the existing brackets of the text. and at the same time I've heard support by parties on allowing flexibility for including the views that have emerged from recent discussions. So my proposal is that the contact group can work on the basis of document INF/3, its textual negotiations. I would like to ask the floor if there are any objections with that proposal. I see the Democratic Republic of Congo followed by the Russian Federation. You have the floor, Democratic Republic of Congo.


Democratic Republic of the Congo [1:31:55]:

Thank you, Madam Chair, for the floor. Thank you for your proposals allowing us to find a way forward. of this work. The first proposal that you have made concerns the time and the agenda that we have adopted says that the evening work should begin at 7:30 until 10:30. So we would but you have proposed that we work from 8 until 11 p.m. This is the first day of this meeting. I would suggest that the work end at 10:30. That would allow us to be fresh for tomorrow because we have other items that are not quite as easy to manage. Secondly, I would like to remind you of Rule 10 of the procedures of our meeting, which says that the provisional agenda, as well as all of the working documents for every ordinary meeting, should be distributed in the official languages by the Secretariat. at least six weeks before the opening of the meeting. We mentioned in our previous statement that this document, that we did not receive it in the six working languages. As you know, COP16 had a lot of parts to it, Cali, and then the first online, COP16 after that, and then in person in Rome after that. And we tried to navigate through these different meetings, and we tried to find the interlinkages between these meetings, but we did not find this document in all of the languages of the UN. So I would like to know if, in fact, in the work that you have proposed for the contact group to do, I would like to know what the document, the underlying document would be for that discussion. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:35:09]:

Thank you very much to DRC. Now I give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by Brazil.


Russian Federation [1:35:20]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Thank you for your clarification of how we will be moving forward. We stated that we are prepared to actively participate in the contact groups. And I think our colleague from the DRC also came forward with a very reasonable proposal regarding the use of the document. I think it is worthwhile using the main document, the official document, as a base for the discussion, which is 1/3. And as our colleague from DRC mentioned, the information document is only available in one language. We remember that document. We talked about it in Cali, and we supported it being presented as an information document that we could use it and then not lose all of the content that we talked about in Cali, but as an official document. we have the official document as the version we would like to discuss. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:36:37]:

Thank you very much to the Russian Federation. Now I would like to give the floor to Brazil.


Brazil [1:36:45]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. We would -- sorry for that. We would also like to echo the comments made by DRC and Russia, and besides the points that they have already made, we also like to add that these documents are just a second. We've heard some parties asking for discussions to be concentrated on the brackets and document info four only have brackets regarding subsidiary body. So as we have not heard how the discussions will be conducted, that would not be possible. So we reiterate our ask for the document to be considered for the contact group to be the official document. Sorry. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:37:49]:

Thank you very much. I see Jordan followed by South Africa. Jordan, you have the floor.


Jordan [1:37:58]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to note that we support what our colleague from the DRC and Russia said, and the need to focus on the document in hand as agreed upon in Cali. This is what we have. It's a clean copy without brackets, and we should focus our time and effort, given the limited time, on that document that has been provided by our colleagues from the Russian Federation and the DRC. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:38:37]:

Thank you very much, Jordan, and I will have to make a recommendation for parties to speak a bit slowly so we give space and a bit more clarity to the interpreters that are helping us with the translation today. Thank you very much. Now I give the floor to South Africa.


South Africa [1:38:55]:

Thank you, Madam Kocher. South Africa supports the statements made by Russia, DRC and Jordan in that we would make use of the official document contained in SBHJ 13. Thank you very much.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:39:20]:

Thank you very much, South Africa, and thank you very much, colleagues, for your interventions. So what I'm hearing from parties is that there is a preference for some parties to work on the basis of documents CBD/SBAJ/1/3. So my proposal on the way forward, considering the interventions made by our colleagues, is as follows. I regret that we won't have that much time to enjoy the beautiful reception that the Secretariat prepared for us, but I would like to propose that we have the contact group from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., if that's acceptable for everyone. And with regards to the document that will serve as a basis for the textual negotiations of the contact group, then I would like to propose to you, colleagues, that we work on the basis of document 1/3. But we also heard from the floor the importance of taking into consideration the progress captured in document INF/3. So I would like to encourage Parties to include those textual changes in document INF/3 during the textual negotiations in the Contact Group. So I repeat, My proposal is that we work on the basis of document 1/3, but I would like to invite parties to bring the textual modifications that they consider are relevant in INF/3 into that document during the textual negotiations in the contact group. I would also like to highlight that the preference of some parties is not to concentrate only in the brackets that we have now in the text, but to also be able to capture the different views and positions that we heard today. I would also encourage the contact group and encourage the parties to include those views, but always maintaining the constructive spirit that I just heard in this plenary, to clean the text and not forgetting that our goal is to send a text that is hopefully clean or as clean as possible to CBD COP17. So that is my proposal for the way forward. I see DRC asking for the floor. Please DRC, you have the floor. Please, if you can give the mic to DRC.


Democratic Republic of the Congo [1:42:16]:

Yes, thank you very much, Madam Co-Chair. Thank you for giving me the floor. Our goal here is to be able to do a good job, and we thank you for the generous offer from the Secretariat to attend the reception. The goal was definitely not to hold back the reception. But if you hold the reception from 1800 hours to 1930, I think that will allow us plenty of opportunity to do our work. And in order to find a way forward, we welcome your proposal. If there are people who are in favour of INF/3, our only request is that if the document is available in languages that will help us to understand it better at this point in time, we would be happy to be able to refer to such language versions. Thank you.


CBD COP Presidency · Co-Chair [1:43:40]:

Thank you very much to DRC and I would like to clarify that my invitation is not to use INF3 as a basis for textual discussions, but to invite parties that if they have a preference for language that is in INF3 but it's not in document 1/3, they are free to bring it into the text once textual negotiations have started. And I thank you very much for your constructive spirit in that sense. Colleagues, I see no further requests for the floor. So I would like to propose that the co-chairs for this contact group are Pernilla Malmer from Sweden as party representative and Ms. Lucy Mullenke from the IPLC as an IPLC representative. Are there any objections for the proposed cultures? I see none. Very good. So we have a way forward. Thank you very much for the constructive discussions in this plenary session. And now I would like to give the floor to my co-chair and the secretariat to move us forward towards agenda item five. Please remember that it is our goal with my co-chair and myself so we can complete the first reading of item five as well. We are keeping a very good pace in this session and we thank you for that and we look forward to continue working constructively towards that sense. Thank you very much.


Co-Chair [1:45:23]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Distinguished delegates, as mentioned by the COP Presidency, we now move to agenda item five on the implementation of the programme of work on Article 8 and other provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity related to indigenous peoples and local communities to 2030. Under this item, the Subsidiary Body will consider three sub items. In view of their thematic linkages, sub items 5 and 5 will be taken up together, as reflected in the adopted annotated agenda. Sub-item 5 concerns guidelines to strengthen legal and policy frameworks for the implementation of targets two and three of the coming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including on indigenous and traditional territories to support protection and restoration practices led by indigenous peoples and local communities. Task 1.1 of the programme of work on Article 8j. Sub-item 5b concerns guidelines for the inclusion and consideration of traditional lands and resource use in spatial planning processes and environmental impact assessments, Task 1.2 of the programme of work on Article 8j. Following our consideration of sub-items 5a and 5b, we will move to sub-item 5c on the process to review and update the voluntary glossary of key terms and concepts within the context of Article 8j and related provisions, which will be chaired by the COP Presidency. I now invite the Secretariat to introduce the documents document for items 5A and 5B. Secretariat, you have the floor.


CBD Secretariat · Secretariat [1:47:32]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.

Support is consideration of this agenda item.

The SBHJ has before it the document CBD/SBHJ/1/4 entitled Proposed Element for the Guidelines Related to Task 1.1.

And task 1.2 of the program of work on article 2J and other.

Provisions of the convention related to indigenous people and local communities to 2030.

The document contains in its annex proposed elements for the guidelines.

These were informed by the submissions received to pursue notification 2025-61, the synthesis of view prepared for the expert workshop held in July 2015, and the outcomes of the workshop itself. The compilation of submissions were made available as an information document and the report of the workshop is also available as a reference document.

Thank you, Madam Chair.


Co-Chair [1:48:37]:

Thank you, Secretariat. So with this background information, I now open the floor for your interventions. And I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the parties and observers to upload your statements for interpretation. Is the Indigenous Peoples and Local Community Caucus ready to do the intervention? Yes. Is it the IPLC on microphone 28? He's holding his hand up. If you can give the mic to him. Yes, please.


IIFB [1:49:54]:

Thank you very much, Madam Co-Chair. I'm speaking on behalf of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity. Recognition and protection of the lands of indigenous peoples and local communities is the first measure that the parties should adopt to fully comply with the 23 targets and four objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and section C. We reaffirm the need to recognize traditional and indigenous lands as lands that contribute directly to conservation, restoration, and planning, spatial planning. We call for the development of specific mechanisms for implementation, reporting, and monitoring It is necessary to pursue the work to guarantee and promote best practices for land tenure and governance and water tenure of the indigenous peoples and local communities. The guidelines should ensure specific differentiated treatment for conservation, restoration and spatial planning, and they should ensure respect for the rights of indigenous peoples, as well as the indigenous peoples that are isolated and on first contact. They should be protected under the international principles of non-contact, precautionary principle, and intangibility for the purpose of supporting the parties and adopting national and regional measures to protect their lives, their lands, self-determination, integrity, and to prohibit any activity that may endanger their survival and their rights. The guidelines should adhere to the non-regression principle, which ensures that the differentiated rights of indigenous peoples in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the rights of local communities to be respected and that they maintain, protect their traditional lands, cultures, and ways of life. Traditional and indigenous lands is a term that was recently introduced into target three of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. And we propose an ongoing process under the guidelines to understand this concept on the basis of the experience of indigenous peoples and local communities and their contribution to biodiversity. Thank you very much, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [1:53:12]:

Thank you, IIFP. I now give the floor to Zimbabwe, followed by Brazil and Uganda. Zimbabwe first.


Zimbabwe · Africa Group [1:53:24]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Zimbabwe has the honour to speak on behalf of the Africa Group. Africa acknowledges the important roles and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use. We would like to reiterate that the guidelines before us must ensure that the rights and knowledge, including traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity, innovations, world views, values and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities are respected and preserved. This should be done with their free, prior and informed consent and through their full and effective participation in decision-making in accordance with relevant national legislation. We call for the creation of an enabling environment for ensuring that indigenous peoples and local communities, including women and youth, are represented and participate in a fair, balanced and inclusive manner. It is equally important that the guidelines are translated into indigenous and local languages to facilitate their accessibility and implementation. Madam Co-Chair, Africa recognizes that tasks 1.1 and 1.2 under the programme of work are central to strengthening legal and policy frameworks for achieving targets one, two and three and the KMGBF. We also support the need for capacity building, technical cooperation and information exchange to enable parties and communities to effectively monitor lands and traditional territories, including through headline indicator 22.1 on land use change and land tenure. This will ensure robust representation of community generated data in the seventh national reports. Africa underscores the importance of monitoring and reporting that reflects the realities and capacities of countries and communities and stresses that any data shared through the clearinghouse mechanism must respect national data sovereignty and community protocols. Finally, Africa would like to stress the importance of sustained technical and financial support to enable full and effective participation of indigenous people and local communities, including women and youth, in implementing and monitoring the guidelines. Africa remains committed to advancing equity, recognition and cooperation in the implementation of Article 8 and the 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature. madam co chair africa has proposed textual refinements to further align the guidelines with the agreed text under decision sixteen four including text proposals expanding the list of actors to include academia also to further support the implementation of tasks one one and one two. We have also proposed replacing the reference to conservation and restoration organizations with more inclusive terminology, relevant organizations to better reflect the diversity of actors engaged in this work. We will be submitting the detailed textual amendments on the annexure in writing. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [1:56:55]:

Thank you, Zimbabwe. I now give the floor to Brazil, followed by Uganda and Guatemala. Brazil first.


Brazil [1:57:04]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Brazil thanks the Secretariat for preparing document CBD/ SB/H.A.1/4. Brazil supports the programme of work and welcomes the forward-looking spirit of the draft guidelines. In that spirit, Brazil will propose an additional preamble or paragraph to recall decision 16/6, which recognizes the role of people of African descent in the implementation of the convention and to acknowledge the specific challenges faced by developing countries and the need to address the underrepresentation of IPLCs from developing countries in the work of the convention. We consider these insertions essential to reflect outcomes of COP16 and to ensure geographic balance and equity across the different regions of the world, including people of African descent. Brazil will also propose an operative paragraph to strengthen participation on the ground, encouraging parties to strengthen the effective participation and co-leadership of indigenous peoples and local communities, including people of African descent, in the design, implementation and monitoring of biodiversity policies and programs. Regarding the annex, Brazil has submitted written comments to help consolidate consensus language. In summary, keep free, prior and informed consent as a guiding principle, harmonized with national legislation and procedures, with the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement as voluntary reference. On financing, reflect that any access, including direct access, occurs in the context of national policies, plans, projects, programs, or systems. On monitoring and reporting, promote indicators including 22.1 and community-based monitoring without new reporting burdens, prioritizing integration into existing national systems with data sovereignty and safeguards for culturally sensitive information, and ensure cost efficiency on SBHJ operations, including back-to-back meetings with other subsidiary bodies and transparent budget implications. Brazil also support that implementation of target three to Iplc demands the recognition of indigenous and traditional territories without necessarily being recognized as protected areas or other areas based conservation measures. In some chair, Brazil stands ready to work constructively so that the decision on CBD slash SBHA slash one slash four delivers balanced participation, legal coherence, and implementable guidance, thereby strengthening the convention while honoring knowledge, practices, and rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. Thank you.


Co-Chair [2:00:17]:

Thank you, Brazil. And now Uganda, followed by Guatemala. Uganda, please.


Uganda [2:00:23]:

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. Uganda supports Africa's position as articulated by Zimbabwe on the present note, covering proposed elements for the guidelines related to tasks 1.1 and 1.2 of the programme of work. Madam Chair, indigenous people and local communities have been exposed to unintentional emissions from use of hazardous chemicals, including mercury emissions in mining areas that overlap traditional territories of indigenous peoples and local communities. In addition, Madam Chair, the sharing of benefits arising out of the mineral royalties on customary land. In addition, the sharing of benefits arising out of mineral royalties on customary land hosting indigenous people and local communities needs to be strengthened, taking into consideration their governance systems. Uganda therefore welcomes the guidance. in the present note aimed at strengthening the legal and policy framework for the recognition of the role of indigenous and traditional territories of indigenous peoples and local communities in spatial planning, restoration and conservation. Madam Chair, Uganda also wishes to underscore the importance of facilitating capacity building, technical cooperation and the exchange of information by the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, subject to availability of resources, in order to assist Parties and indigenous peoples and local communities in implementing the Guidelines. The mentioned support, Madam Chair, is key in facilitating Parties indigenous peoples and local communities, including relevant stakeholders, in effectively using the guidelines and enabling effective monitoring of interventions, including informing relevant national legal reforms. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Co-Chair [2:02:30]:

Thank you, Uganda. Now give the floor to Guatemala, followed by Denmark and the Russian Federation. Guatemala, please.


Guatemala [2:02:42]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Guatemala welcomes the draft voluntary guidelines. We believe it is fundamental to have guidance that allows us to move ahead in recognition of the role of indigenous indigenous and traditional territories. We have reviewed the guidelines and we have proposed amendments to the text, in particular in section two and section three, and we will submit our proposals in writing to Secretariat. As a state party, we also support the statement by the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity and its important contributions to the text under review. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [2:03:37]:

Thank you, Guatemala. And then I have Denmark, followed by Russian Federation and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So Denmark first.


Denmark · EU [2:03:47]:

Thank you, Chair. I am speaking on behalf of the EU and its 27 member states. The EU and its Member States welcome the COP decision 16/4 on a new programme of work on Article 8 and other provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity related to indigenous people and local communities to 2030 and strongly support its swift implementation. The EU and its Member States support the development of guidelines to strengthen the legal and policy framework for the implementation of targets 2 and 3 of the GBF and welcome an in-depth discussion of this. We thank the Secretariat and those who contributed for the proposed guidelines, which are ambitious, detailed and in line with the guiding principles of the programme of work. We support the overall outline of the guidelines and their reference to the targets of KMGBF. We can accept merging task 1.1 and 1.2 of the programme of work into one set of guidelines, insofar as its main aim is recalled. that is, to strengthen the implementation of Article 8j and related provisions and enhance full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in the overall implementation of KMGBF. However, we see the need to address certain general issues. The EU and its member states support the recognition of ITTs as such, as well as where they contribute to effective conservation and management of biodiversity in the context of implementing target 3. The EU and its Member States have some questions regarding paragraph 26 as it is currently formulated and are open to discuss the intentions of the proposal and look for solutions that address these concerns. Furthermore, language on financial support in the guidelines should be in line with the purpose of element eight of the programme of work and the decisions 16/4 and 16/34. Finally, we support the initiatives set out in task 5.1 of the programme of work, A system of monitoring on a global level does not currently exist and the development of a global registry on ITCs such as mentioned in paragraph 53 would require further clarification. There are in particular questions regarding its establishment in the context of the CBD, the value added of a global registry and how the mechanism would work. We will submit our amendments in writing and look forward to the discussions under this agenda item. Thank you, Chair.


Co-Chair [2:06:51]:

Thank you, Denmark, for the EU, and then we have the Russian Federation, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and then Australia. But the Russian Federation first, please.


Russian Federation [2:07:06]:

Thank you, co-chairs. The Russian Federation supports combining the elements of the guidelines, 5A and 5B, into a single document. This will ensure a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing tasks 1.1 and 1.2 of the program of work and the corresponding tasks of the global biodiversity framework. The Russian Federation is prepared to agree to the adoption voluntary guidelines provided that the proposals of the Russian delegation are adequately taken into account. We consider it important that these guidelines be clear, practical, and reflect all aspects of tasks 1, 2, 3, and 14 of the global framework. In this regard, we consider it necessary to change the title of the guidelines to fully reflect all four elements of tasks 1.1 and 1.2 of the program of work. The specific title will be submitted in writing. It is also essential to bring the text of the document into strict alignment with the elements of the tasks. We are committed to section C of the global framework and section 2 of the program of work on article 8J, which define the basic general principles of work under the convention. We therefore consider it excessive to repeat and/or rephrase the principles already enshrined in the convention documents set out in section 3. We propose to retain only the first paragraph, That is para 7 in this section, adding a reference to compliance with national legislation. In our opinion, including the same principles in each new guideline when there are recognized general principles is inappropriate and creates needless redundancy in the text. Full-textual amendments will be submitted to the secretariat. We are convinced that reflecting our recommendations will improve the quality and practical value of the voluntary guidelines. Thank you for your attention. Thank you, Russian Federation.


Co-Chair [2:09:28]:

Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by Australia and Saudi Arabia. Congo, please.


Democratic Republic of the Congo [2:09:37]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair, for giving me the floor. The Democratic Republic of Congo would like to break this intervention down into three points. And I'd say, first of all, that our country supports the statement by Zimbabwe on behalf of the Africa Group. The first point I'd like to make is to send out a reminder that since November 2020, 30, we have been trying to develop the work program on Article 8J, but at the time we didn't want to, we couldn't reach an agreement and so there were delays and we're trying to catch up today. These guidelines were supposed to be developed and they're essential, but they can only be, useful insofar as they are made available as quickly as possible. 2030 is around the corner, it's tomorrow. And the indigenous peoples and local communities by that time will need to be able to use those guidelines so as to effectively contribute to the goals of the convention. and the Kunming-Montreal framework. So we wonder how and when these guidelines will be developed, hopefully soon. The second point is on methodology. It was said that the guidelines should be developed with the full effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities. Unfortunately, we have seen possible elements of the guidelines, but no methodology has been mentioned to ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities have been involved or participated in the development of possible inputs to these guidelines. Third point, finally, is with regard to a roadmap. These guidelines don't have a clear roadmap that is concise and precise that allows us to validate the different inputs proposed. Targets two and four are entirely relevant for indigenous peoples and local communities. Thank you very much.


Co-Chair [2:12:43]:

Thank you. And then we have Australia followed by Saudi Arabia. Australia, please.


Australia [2:12:50]:

Thank you, co-chair. Australia is supportive of the work of the subsidiary

body on Article 8 to develop voluntary guidelines to strengthen the legal and policy framework for the

implementation of targets two and three of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to support the protection and restoration practices

led by indigenous peoples and local communities and guidelines for the inclusion and consideration of traditional lands and of

resource use in spatial planning processes and environmental impact assessments. Australia prioritises genuine partnerships with Indigenous peoples in the delivery of biodiversity conservation efforts, including restoration, protection and management. We believe it is critical to achieving strong outcomes for Indigenous peoples and local communities and their full and effective participation in biodiversity decision-making, consistent with Article 8A.

Australia would like to

acknowledge that we see traditional knowledge as essential to conservation efforts and that traditional knowledge is not just historical knowledge,

practices, sciences and innovations, but contemporary ones as well.

On the draft voluntary guidelines, Australia is supportive overall. However, we have minor changes to the draft decision text to insert standard footnotes and language and to better align language with existing guidance and previous decisions. Australia will submit these proposed amendments and others in writing. Thank you, chairs.

Go, chairs.


Co-Chair [2:14:18]:

Thank you, Australia. Saudi Arabia next, followed by China.


Saudi Arabia [2:14:26]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes that the guidelines for the implementation of targets two and three of the KMGPF They represent an opportunity to promote an integrated approach to the social and cultural dimensions of conservation and restoration efforts. The guidelines constitute an important step towards implementing Article 8 which calls on states subject to their national legislations to respect IPLC's knowledge, innovations and practices that are relevant to the conservation and use of biodiversity. Madam Co-Chair, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stresses the importance of integrating these principles into national policies and legal frameworks in a way that ensures consistency with national laws and legislations, especially in the areas of spatial planning, the assessment of environmental impact, land tenure, and the use of natural resources in line with Article 8. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms that the recognition of traditional territories and traditional knowledge should be consistent with national legal frameworks, as we need to take into account the balance between the respect for the rights of local communities and the requirements of sustainable development in line with Section C of the framework, this should be undertaken through institutional frameworks that ensure the protection of intellectual property and traditional knowledge and take into account the principle of free and prior informed consent when it comes to the participation of local communities. the Kingdom believes that the harmonization between the guidelines and national practices is key to ensuring an effective and practical implementation as well as promoting the complementarity between biodiversity protection, cultural heritage conservation, and environmental governance. Thank you.


Co-Chair [2:16:41]:

Then we have China followed by South Africa. China, please.


China [2:16:48]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. China congratulate the subsidy party, AJ, and related provision on the successful convening of this first meeting. We recognize respect, indispensable role of IPLC in conservation of biodiversity. Traditional knowledge, innovation, practices passed down through generations are invaluable for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity worldwide. The development of the guidance contained in document 1/4 and updating revision of the voluntary glossary of key terms and concept within the scope of the subsidiary are important. And we support development of the guidelines and update the voluntary glossary as part of the efforts contributing implementation of the target two and three of the KMGBF. We know that parties are different in their legal systems, governance structure, national circumstances, and the guidelines should be implemented by parties in accordance to their respective national context. It's important to stress the voluntary nature of guidelines and principles, and implementation should be consistent with national laws and policy frameworks. We'll submit specific contextual proposals in writing. Thank you again, Madam Chairperson.


Co-Chair [2:18:04]:

Thank you, China. Now we have South Africa followed by Malawi. South Africa, please.


South Africa [2:18:14]:

Thank you, Madam Co Chair. South Africa supports the statement made by Zimbabwe on behalf of the Africa Group. South Africa supports the draft guidelines for recommendation to the Convention of the Parties. We wish to emphasise that the application of these guidelines should be in accordance with national circumstances, reaffirming the importance of respecting national sovereignty, national legislation, and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. South Africa also highlights that the principle of sustainable, inclusive, and accessible financial mechanisms should ensure that the indigenous peoples and local communities have direct, predictable, accessible, and sustainable access to financial resources. In addition, the principles of monitoring and reporting, including through biocultural community protocols, should ensure that the prior informed consent of indigenous peoples and local communities is fully respected and integrated in the implementation processes. South Africa will submit additional text amendments on the annexure in writing. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Co-Chair [2:19:26]:

Thank you, South Africa. And now there is Malawi, followed by Colombia and Canada. Malawi, please.


Malawi [2:19:35]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Malawi supports the statement read by Zimbabwe on behalf of Africa Group. Madam Co-Chair, Malawi would like to applaud the efforts taken towards the development of the draft elements of the guidelines in the annexes. We believe that to ensure utilization of the guidelines, all relevant actors, including Paris, indigenous peoples and local communities, women, youth, civil society and the private sector, among others, should take an active role. We have therefore made textual proposals to paragraph four of the draft recommendation to reflect this. Malawi would also like to welcome the guiding principles outlined in the annex under paragraph seven, which recognises the fact that the guidelines should be applied according to national circumstances. We believe this is an important principle that should guide all elements under the guidelines. On paragraph 21 of the proposed elements for the guidelines, We note that although some territories of indigenous people and local communities are not degraded, in some of our countries, we do have traditional lands belonging to indigenous people and local communities that may be degraded. As such, we have provided some textual changes to reflect that. and paragraph 21, reflecting the different realities in different countries. Thank you so much, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [2:21:27]:

Thank you, Malawi. And now there is Colombia and followed by Canada and thereafter Bosnia-Herzegovina. So Colombia first, please.


Colombia [2:21:38]:

Gracias.

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. guidelines that we are discussing must recognize the spiritual, cultural, and ecological relationship that peoples maintain with nature as expressed in their languages, rituals, values, and traditional knowledge, which constitute invaluable source for the conservation, restoration, and territorial planning. This contribution is essential to achieve the goals of the global framework and move toward a future of living in harmony with nature. Our country reaffirms that biodiversity and cultural diversity are inseparable. The guidelines being developed must recognize the collective rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, Afro-descendants on their land, territories, waters, and resources. in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples and the ILO Convention 169. We believe it should be a priority for the Secretariat to establish specific mechanisms for task 1.2 of the work programme on Article 8. with a view to identifying and promoting best practices to ensure the tenure and governance of land by indigenous peoples and local communities. The conservation, restoration, and spatial planning measures should be designed in a human rights approach, customary governance systems, laws, and sacred beliefs Traditional knowledge is an essential source for territorial management, planning and restoration of ecosystems. In Colombia, the relationship between cultural and biodiversity is based on experiences such as the PLENKI, where the use of traditional medicines promotes human health and nature's balance. In Colombia, our communities are preserving seeds and soil and water sources as a means of restoring the ecosystem. The Wayuu people are maintaining their own system for bystanders, which ensures social harmony among clans and also guides the responsible use of lands and sustainable use of natural resources. Their knowledge about the cycles, animals and native crops strengthen food security and the soundness of arid ecosystems. These examples confirm that understanding and valuing traditional knowledge systems not only protects cultural heritage but also promotes effective solutions for conservation and restoration. Finally, Colombia expresses its firm support for Brazil's proposal to focus on decision 16/6 regarding the role of Afro-descendants in promoting and implementing the framework. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.


Co-Chair [2:25:15]:

Now I have Canada, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Indonesia. So Canada, please.


Canada [2:25:23]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Canada would like to thank the participants of the expert workshop in July 2025 that worked to support, that was focused on developing the guidelines for implementation of task 1.1 and 1.2. We note that that workshop had participation of indigenous peoples and local communities and a clear methodology. We think that they have done an excellent job in providing a set of, a draft set of guidelines for us to review here this week, parties together with representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities. And we think that these draft guidelines are in great shape. They represent a useful tool to support parties and others that may wish to improve how they implement KMGBF targets one, two, and three together with indigenous partners. There are a few areas where we think some minor adjustments are needed and we will provide these in writing to the Secretariat. We think that this agenda item can be an example of how this new subsidiary body can work in an efficient way to provide parties with the support and guidance needed to effectively implement our commitments under the CAMGBF together with indigenous partners. We look forward to engaging others to successfully recommend these guidelines at this meeting for adoption at COP17. As the distinguished delegate from the Democratic Republic of Congo has stated, 2030 is tomorrow. So let's not sacrifice the good for the perfect. Let's get these voluntary guidelines quickly into the hands of parties so that they can use them to rapidly progress in implementing targets one, two, and three in partnership with IPLCs. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [2:27:08]:

Thank you, Canada. I have a few Seven parties left on the list and I will now close the list for speakers. And now I go to Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by Indonesia and then Malaysia. So Bosnia and Herzegovina, you have the floor.


Bosnia and Herzegovina [2:27:30]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Bosnia and Herzegovina will use the guidelines being developed under task 1.1 and 1.2 as it provides an important framework for strengthening the legal and policy measures for the protection and sustainable use of traditional knowledge, lands and resources of local communities. In this context, Bosnia and Herzegovina has already conducted an assessment of the state of traditional knowledge with support from UNESCO local indigenous knowledge systems. This assessment was initially prepared to complement the national ecosystem assessment and is now being used to support potential nature-based solutions and the ongoing revision of NBSAP. While Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have indigenous people, local communities play a vital role in these processes. Therefore, their knowledge and participation need to be strongly recognized. However, significant gaps remain in national legislation regarding the recognition of local communities, as this is largely delegated to lower administrative levels. Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively working to strengthen the legislative framework to ensure that local communities have a meaningful role in the impact assessment decision making processes and related to infrastructure development and implementation of conservation and restoration initiatives. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of special planning and effective management processes related to land and sea use changes, including those led by local communities and their traditional lands and waters.

The rights and practice of these.

Communities must be respected and recognized and integrated into the national and local restoration initiatives. In this regard, Bosnia and Herzegovina consider the inclusion of traditional knowledge not only as a cultural obligation, but also as a practical and scientific necessity for achieving effective, equitable and sustainable restoration outcomes. And in this regard, we support the guidelines and emphasize that its application will be essential in promoting participatory and inclusive approaches to nature restoration of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [2:30:06]:

Thank you. Now we proceed to Indonesia, followed by Malaysia and India. So Indonesia, you have the floor.


Indonesia [2:30:14]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again, Indonesia recognized the infallible court roles, customary practices, and where appropriate, customary governance tradition of IPLC in conserving, restoring, and sustainably using biodiversity. This contribution is essential to the success of the GPF and to the resilience of ecosystem worldwide. And at the same time, Indonesia also, as we stated in our previous intervention, would like to stress three interlinked principles that should guide the finalization and application of the draft modus operandi and associated guidelines. First, subsidiary bodies on Article 8g must operate as part of the LEP mechanisms, Recommendation and technical inputs from IPLC participants and advisory bodies are critical and must be fully considered. However, final decision-making authority must remain with parties so their decisions are coherent with national legal and administrative framework. Second, the modalities for selection, nomination and accreditation of IPLC representatives should be explicit and consistent with national laws and procedures. While IPLC co-chairs are considered, their selection should follow transparent procedures agreed in coordination with parties. Third, the operationalization of SBiG must be respected with budgetary realities. Indonesia supports full and effective participation but emphasizes that any expansion of activities should be budget neutral for core budgets. Regarding financial aspect on para 50, Indonesia support effort to improve access to funding for IPLCs including parallel direct access modalities, especially to empower women and youth led communities actions. Evidence show that direct action funding strengthen conservation outcomes but it must be accompanied by practical capacity building in financial management, monitoring and reporting. Any direct access scheme should be provided in coordination with parties, consistent with national legislation and fiduciary framework. And it must include clear roles for intermediaries in data sovereignty and protect culturally sensitive information. We propose pilot modalities that are nationally anchored and financed through voluntary windows or blended finance mechanism to ensure long-term sustainability. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Co-Chair [2:32:48]:

Thank you, Indonesia. We are soon approaching six o'clock and we still have a list of speakers, but we will extend the plenary to 6:10 p.m. So with that, the next is Malaysia, followed by India and New Zealand. But Malaysia, you have the floor.


Malaysia [2:33:11]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Malaysia welcomes the proposed elements for the development of guidelines related to task 1.1 and 1.2 based on the outputs of the expert workshop held in July 2025. Malaysia is of the view that the recognition of and respect for customary land tenure and governance system as highlighted in the text should be implemented in accordance with each country's national capabilities, priorities and circumstances. In this regard, Malaysia underscores the importance of ensuring that such recognition aligns with existing national legal and administrative frameworks. Malaysia supports Russian Federation and other parties on proposal for the inclusivity of the title to reflect the four elements of the guidelines, therefore propose the inclusion of terms environmental impact assessment in the title. Finally, Malaysia also seeks clarification on the terms. competent authorities as referenced in footnote 16 of the text under item 5A and 5B. Malaysia believes confusion may arise from the use of this term and would appreciate clarification on whether it refers to the competent authorities responsible for the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and access and benefit sharing, or it refers to national statutory competent authorities with purview over matters concerning indigenous peoples and local communities. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [2:34:34]:

Thank you, Malaysia. Thank you also for not using all the time that you were allocated. So it's a good example. So India then next, followed by New Zealand and Egypt. India, please.


India [2:34:47]:

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. India commends the Secretariat for the comprehensive documentation under agenda items 5a, 5b and 5c, and welcomes the deliberations on strengthening the legal and policy frameworks related to indigenous peoples and local communities under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Under the agenda items 5A and 5B, India supports the proposed voluntary guidelines for the implementation of target two and three of the GBF, particularly those focused on ecosystem restoration, spatial planning, and the recognition of traditional territories. These guidelines will be implemented in accordance with national laws and priorities India remains committed to nagaya protocol and the access and benefit sharing mechanism which safeguard traditional knowledge and ensure fair and Equitable benefit sharing and the agenda item number 5C concerning the review and update of the voluntary glossary of key terms uh and Concepts India supports an inclusive transparent participatory process that reflects evolving understandings under the GBF while maintaining consistency with established CBD principles. Balanced regional representation and the active participation of IPLCs and women groups will be essential to ensure that the glossary remains a living and practical tool for implementation. India reiterates its commitment to to advancing biodiversity conservation through inclusive and equitable approaches that uphold the rights, knowledge systems and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities in line with the principles of national sovereignty and the KMGBF. In conclusion, India would like to state that with regard to the entire program of work on Article 8 and other provisions of the you know, CBD related to indigenous people and local communities, which includes all the elements and tasks, particularly 1.1 and 1.2. As per the COP decision 16/4 operative para, we would like to reiterate that it has to be as per the national legislation, circumstances and priorities, which are to be taken into account. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [2:37:22]:

Thank you, India. Now I have New Zealand, followed by Egypt, and then Japan. So New Zealand, please.


New Zealand [2:37:32]:

Thank you very much, Co-Chair. New Zealand supports the development of the draft guidelines as a practical step to further the programme of work under Article 8 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and we thank the expert workshop for its very hard work. New Zealand's preference would have been to separate out guidance for task 1.1 and task 1.2, given that legal and policy frameworks and spatial planning processes are very different activities. However, we do recognise that law and policy can and should be mutually reinforcing. We support the intent in the draft guidelines to recognise indigenous-led mapping and planning as legitimate tools for spatial decision-making. Embedding these approaches will help bridge policy and practice, ensuring decisions that affect lands and waters are made with indigenous peoples, not for them. New Zealand also supports the principle that indigenous peoples should retain control over how their data and traditional knowledge are used. New Zealand will submit some proposed text changes in line with the CBD's longstanding approach to references to free, prior and informed consent, and which better reflect our own distinct national circumstances. For example, New Zealand operates systems that recognise Maori-led spatial planning and governance and ensure indigenous mapping, land use and decision-making are recognised appropriately within domestic biodiversity and planning frameworks. These include a variety of approaches from broad guarantees of participation and consultation to specific instances in which a requirement of consent is appropriate. We will also submit language to clarify the legal status of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as non-binding. We would also question the necessity of a global registry as proposed in paragraph 43, given the likely significant resourcing implications, and the limited benefit of such a registry to those countries that do not have such territories. We will submit our text proposals in writing. Thank you very much.


Co-Chair [2:39:40]:

Thank you, New Zealand. So I have two parties left on my list, and that is Egypt followed by Japan. Please.


Egypt [2:39:48]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. First of all, Egypt supports all assessments given by African countries. as well as Saudi Arabia and also Tim Mark on behalf of EU. Having said that, it is very crucial that there are many issues that should be discussed at length, although good work already been done, but these issues can be complicated. And that may explain why Russia Federation requested to change the titles. For example, just for example, the definition of traditional or traditional land or traditional opportunities or whatever is a little bit complicated simply because those people, I will say, They move from one place to another and that can have a conflict with the national development programs, not only at national level but the movement itself from east to west or from north to west can have even a conflict not at national but even at neighboring countries and that's why the issues or definition that were already provided in the dictionary or whatever need to be practical in a way that we can implement them. Secondly, many of the resource use in terms of special planning as said by Malawi made it very clear that some of the lands are not degradable, especially in protected areas. So we need to look at all of this. Thirdly, environmental impact assessment at national level means that you must have a project to implement and before you start you have to make EIA in a way that they can look at the situation and land and the project and whatever etc. So that may explain that the EU made it very clear that many issues are needed to be discussed in a way that we agree on the proposed draft guidelines. Thank you very much.


Co-Chair [2:42:25]:

Thank you, Egypt. I then have Japan, and I will also give the microphone to IPLC 31 afterwards. So Japan first.


Japan [2:42:38]:

Thank you, Madam Co Chair. Japan supports the significant value and contributions of IPSCs in achieving the KMBF, recognizes the significance of the guidelines in enhancing the implementation of Article 8a, and welcomes the work done in drafting the guidelines. At the same time, we also recognize that situation differ from country to country and emphasize the voluntary nature of the guidelines. In this regard, we are concerned that paragraph two and three of the draft recommendation uses the phrase urges parties, which may not align with the voluntary character of the guidelines. We do not intend to diminish the value of the guidelines, but would like to urge to be replaced with encourage. Japan also recommends that the title of the guidelines explicitly include the term voluntary with reference to the voluntary guidelines. Japan wishes to ensure that the guidelines include languages that allows for flexibility in line with national circumstances in implementation. and specific text proposals will be submitted in writing. We are looking forward to contributing to further discussion. Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.


Co-Chair [2:44:06]:

Thank you, Japan. And now I give the floor to the final speaker of today, which is on the IPLC microphone 31. Please.


 [2:44:17]:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I'm speaking on behalf of the Global Network of Indigenous Women for Biodiversity and the Indigenous Women's Biodiversity Network for Latin America and the Caribbean. On September 2 to 5 in Manaus, Brazil, there was an international workshop on indigenous land territories. and biodiversity that was co-organized by the Indigenous Biodiversity Forum and the Indigenous Women's Biodiversity Network of Latin America and the Caribbean, the government of Brazil, and other indigenous organizations of Brazil. We take the opportunity to thank all organizers, especially the Brazilian government. This event allowed us to get ready for this meeting. Our territories are at the heart of life. They hold the memory, spirituality, indigenous knowledge and biodiversity that sustain all humanity. For this reason, the recognition and protection of indigenous and traditional territories is the first measure that the parties must adopt to fully comply with the targets and objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We believe that indigenous women and lands are sacred spaces that inhabit our spirits, our ancestors, and our collective memory that guarantee the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. We can't talk about biodiversity conservation without beforehand guaranteeing the life, the rights, and continuity of our lands, which are at the root of our existence. Women, indigenous women and youth play a fundamental role in this task. We are guardians of the seeds of knowledge, language, and spirituality. We are also defenders who are constantly facing violence and threats to our lands. Without the recognition of our role, implementation of the global framework will be incomplete. We ask that specific mechanisms be developed for implementation, monitoring and reporting that take a differentiated approach to the participation of indigenous women and youth, not as secondary figures, but at the heart of all of the work to protect intergenerational knowledge and life. The non-regression principle should be upheld to maintain and strengthen recognized rights, in particular autonomy and intangibility of indigenous lands and peoples in isolation and on first contact. They should be protected under the no contact, precautionary and intangibility principles. We urge the parties to recognize these lands as part of the information systems under target three with monitoring systems led by the indigenous peoples themselves. We support the statement of the International Indigenous Forum for Biodiversity on this item. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Co-Chair [2:48:14]:

Thank you very much. And thank you also for slowing a little bit down midway, so I managed to follow the interpretation. We have done some whisper consultation. We are reaching the end of today and distinguished delegates, with respect to items 5a and 5b, I thank you for the constructive interventions. So in order to advance our work, we propose the establishment of a contact group to further develop the proposed elements for the guidelines and draft recommendations included in document CBD/SPHJ/1/4. This will allow us to ensure to consolidate the views expressed and prepare a clear draft text for consideration in plenary. The contact group will be co-facilitated by Ms. Sikeade Egbovaloh from Nigeria as Party representative and Ms. Jennifer Towle from the IPLC, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities representatives. Participation will be open to all interested Parties, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and observers. So given our time constraints, I kindly remind you that the contact group will have very limited opportunities to meet. I therefore ask for your cooperation in focusing discussions. This contact group will meet tomorrow evening. The time and venue will be displayed on the information screens. I thank you once again for the constructive discussion under agenda item 5a and 5b. I will now give the floor to the Secretariat for announcements.


CBD Secretariat · Secretariat [2:50:25]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a reminder to delegates to please upload your statements. made today so we can have a look at them. And also with regards to the contact group that will take place this evening from 7:30 to 10:30, the contact group will take place at contact group one, which is across the street on the right, and will take place from 7:30 to 10:30. Thank you very much.


Co-Chair [2:50:57]:

Thank you, Secretariat. I would like again distinguished delegates I would like to thank you all for the good progress we have made today we will continue the plenary tomorrow at 10 with the sub item 5C so with that uh we how how do you put this again um the plenary is now adjourned.