Protect Biodiversity and Support Indigenous Communities

Rainforest Foundation US attended the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) along with Indigenous partners in November. Leaders from nearly 200 countries gathered in Cali, Colombia to address biodiversity loss and the environmental crisis.

Indigenous peoples and local communities have traditionally not had a seat at the table during critical global environmental conferences. Now, they will have a permanent role in biodiversity decision-making—a first in UN environmental processes. Their voice will be heard at every stage of negotiations!

However, promises of more than $200 billion a year in funding for developing countries to protect biodiversity remain unfulfilled, and how progress toward these critical targets will be tracked remains unclear.

Regardless of COP16 outcomes, Indigenous peoples are rainforests’ best guardians and play a critical role in keeping rainforests standing and protecting biodiversity. 39% of the world’s most ecologically intact lands are governed by Indigenous peoples, and studies have found that biodiversity on Indigenous-managed lands is equal to or higher than in other protected areas.

Please support Indigenous-led rainforest protection and help ensure our Indigenous partners’ voices are heard and they have a seat at the table when decisions are made about protecting rainforests and biodiversity.

Learn more about what Rainforest Foundation US’s priorities were at COP16 here.