Indonesia Agrees to the Establishment of a Permanent Body for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at CBD (COP-16)

At the closing of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP-16 in Cali, Colombia, on Friday (November 1, 2024) local time, Indonesia took a step forward by supporting the establishment of a new permanent body known as the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j (SB8j).

After initially expressing opposition, Indonesia ultimately took a progressive step by supporting the formation of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j (SB8j). SB8j is a new permanent body established under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This body emerged from intense negotiations during the convention and is intended to guide the implementation of Article 8j of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). SB8j is specifically focused on Article 8j, which relates to the knowledge, innovations, and traditional practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) that are relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Article 8j itself emphasizes the importance of respecting, protecting, and recognizing the traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of IPLCs that are relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. SB8j is expected to facilitate the achievement of KM-GBF targets by ensuring full participation and respect for the rights of IPLCs.

SB8j is mandated to provide guidance, support, and recommendations to CBD parties in respecting, protecting, and preserving the traditional knowledge of IPLCs. In addition, SB8j also plays a role in enhancing IPLC capacities and promoting information exchange and cooperation among parties.

The establishment of SB8j is an important step in recognizing the crucial contributions of IPLCs to biodiversity conservation and to achieving sustainable development goals. With SB8j in place, it is hoped that a more effective and equitable mechanism will be created to protect the rights of IPLCs and to ensure their involvement in biodiversity management.