ICI at COP16: Fostering Inclusive Conservation and advancing Indigenous Rights
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As Co-Chairs of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) Global Steering Committee, it is our great honor to reflect on the recent gathering in Cali, Colombia. This meeting was more than just a platform for decision-making—it was a profound demonstration of Indigenous governance in action. Together, we shared our collective wisdom, traditional knowledge, our leadership, and our commitment to shaping the future of conservation. The decisions we reached reflect the strength and unity of our communities and the unique ways we protect and care for our lands, cultures, and biodiversity.
Guiding our Steering Committee through this process was both a privilege and a responsibility. Over the course of our discussions, we came to consensus on 15 critical decisions that will direct the path forward for ICI’s global components. These decisions were not made lightly. They represent the culmination of shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and a unified vision to ensure that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) lead the conservation efforts that impact their lands and futures.
Anita Tzec, Maya Yucatec leader, invoked ancestors to balance collective energies, uniting minds and hearts for harmonious deliberations and a positive ICI path forward. Photo Credits: If Not Us Then Who?
As Indigenous leaders, we know that governance is not just about processes and protocols. It is about listening to one another, respecting the diversity of voices in the room, and finding common ground rooted in our cultural values and traditional practices. We led with this spirit, ensuring that each decision reflected the needs and priorities of our communities while staying true to our principles of respect, unity, and collective responsibility.
One of the pivotal moments of our gathering was our engagement with the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This dialogue underscored a critical truth: IPLC-led initiatives are not only effective but essential in addressing the global biodiversity crisis. We advocated for a future where IPLCs have direct access to the resources they need, not as passive recipients but as decision-makers and leaders. Our governance structures, deeply connected to the land, continue to make us the best stewards of the planet’s biodiversity. We are committed to showing the world how resources can be managed and delivered effectively through Indigenous leadership.
We were also honored to engage with the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB). Their deep history and strategic insights on the Global Biodiversity Framework were invaluable as we prepare for COP 16. Our discussions reinforced that Indigenous Peoples must remain at the forefront of global biodiversity negotiations. We will stand firm in our rights, ensuring that the global biodiversity agenda reflects the rights, knowledge, values, and priorities of our people.
Co-chairs Bea Huenullanca (Futa Mawiza, Chile) and Fred Parmelo (UCRT, Tanzania) guided key discussions during the Global Steering Committee meeting, driving forward efforts for ICI. Photo Credits: If Not Us Then Who?
The ICI Steering Committee will engage directly in COP 16 negotiations and contribute to key discussions on finance for Indigenous-led conservation, Target 3, NBSAPS and among others. A key highlight for ICI at COP16 will be the presentation of the GEF-7 ICI Phase 2 Report, looking at Inclusive Finance and we will celebrate the achievements of ICI Fellows, emphasizing the critical role Indigenous knowledge plays in biodiversity conservation.
This comprehensive agenda at COP16 underscores ICI’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive conservation and empowering indigenous and local communities to take the lead in global environmental discourse. We look forward to these upcoming events as we continue to push forward the essential work of Indigenous-led conservation.
The decisions made during this meeting are not just milestones and participation in COP16 — they are a testament to the power of Indigenous governance and leadership. As Co- Chairs, we are proud of what we have achieved together and even more excited about hat lies ahead. We are ready to lead, alongside our communities, in shaping a future where conservation from the Indigenous cosmovision is recognized as the most effective and just approach to protecting our planet.
“We look forward to continuing this journey with our fellow leaders, partners, and allies. Together, we will ensure that the voices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities guide the global conservation movement, now and into the future. In unity we move forward.”
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