Human Rights at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity | HRC63 Side Event

About this Event

Biodiversity and human rights are intrinsically interlinked. Section C of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) sets out that its implementation should follow a human rights-based approach and acknowledges the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The Framework recognizes the roles and contributions of Indigenous Peoples as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use along with other rights holders. Respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights in the context of biodiversity-related actions is both a binding obligation under international human rights law and a crucial approach to achieve the best outcomes for people and biodiversity.

This is also recognized by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights Council resolution 57/28, which highlights the significance of promoting, respecting and protecting human rights in the context of conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity requires its Parties to respect, preserve and maintain Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge in a manner that is consistent with their human and collective rights.

Decisions regarding the implementation of the programme of work on Article 8(j) and the modus operandi of the SB8j will be negotiated at COP17, providing a timely opportunity to discuss the substantive integration of knowledge, cultures and traditional practices of Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in biodiversity conservation on an equal footing with other knowledge systems and with full respect for their respective rights. As part of these discussions, COP17 will also consider the Guidelines to strengthen the legal and policy framework for the implementation of Targets 2 and 3 of the KM-GBF, including on Indigenous and traditional territories, to support the protection and restoration practices led by Indigenous Peoples, and local communities. Indigenous women and girls often face distinct barriers in biodiversity governance and action despite their critical contributions. These barriers must also be addressed in biodiversity policy and decision-making.

Leading experts joining the panel of this event will explore best practices and lessons learned related to operationalizing a human rights-based approach for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including its Targets 2 and 3, and the work of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8 (j) – with the aim of supporting States to implement more effective, gender-responsive and rights-based biodiversity conservation measures.

Speakers

Additional speakers to be added.

H.E. Amb. Hasmik TOLMAJIAN

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Astrid PUENTES RIAÑO

UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment (Video message)

Ana Paula SOUZA

Human Rights Officer, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Ghazali OHORELLA

Human Rights / Legal Consultant, International Indian Treaty Council

Alexandra GOOSSENS-ISHII

Representative to the UN and Programme Coordinator, Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity Advocacy, Soka Gakkai International | Geneva Human Rights, Biodiversity and Land Task Force (GeHRBiL)

Diana RIZZOLIO

Coordinator, Geneva Environment Network | Moderator

Participation

This event is open to participants accredited to the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council.

Video

Live from Palais des Nations

Links

• Environment @ 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
• Human Rights, Biodiversity, and the Role of Geneva
• From Geneva to Yerevan | International Geneva @ UN Biodiversity Conference

Photo Credits

Woman in red jacket standing on wooden bridge in lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees. Bowser, Vancouver Island, Canada (Photo by Keith Levit / Connect Images / Connect Images via AFP)