AGENDA ITEM: Closing Statement 

DATE: 02 NOVEMBER, 2024 

Statement on behalf of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) delivered by Camilo Nino of the Comisión Nacional de Territorios Indígenas (CNTI) 

Thank you Madam Chair, 

I am speaking on behalf of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB). 

Regarding the resources mobilization this COP 16 highlights the importance of any financial mechanism for biodiversity, existing or new, needs continuous reflection and enhancement to transform financial flows that are equitable, direct, adaptive and responsive to realities on the ground and inclusive of our regions. We reiterate the importance of full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the governance and operationalization of these mechanisms. 

Regarding the Mechanisms for Planning, Monitoring, Reporting and Review, IIFB welcomes the adoption of the KMGBF Monitoring Framework and Indicators, most importantly the inclusion of the land use change and land tenure as a headline indicator. Indigenous Peoples and local communities present here are committed to making substantive progress towards implementation of the KMGBF and the new programme of work on traditional knowledge, including its monitoring through community-based mapping, monitoring and information systems. We look forward to working with Parties to ensure robust methodologies and data management systems on the state of our lands, waters, languages and the practice of traditional occupations, contributing to the conservation, sustainable use and equitable benefit-sharing under the Convention. 

On the subject on Digital Sequence Information (DSI), We welcome mandatory non-monetary benefit-sharing and remain committed to strengthening the Mechanism and Cali Fund to empower Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in biodiversity conservation. We will continue working to increase in recognition of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ origins in DSI metadata. Expanding eligibility thresholds, using sales as the metric, and prioritizing nature in the Cali Fund will enhance biodiversity support. 

Regarding Article 8(j) and the adoption of the new Program of Work and the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j) is historic and we will continue working for the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j. 

We thank all Parties for making the decision to create this body, and to be part of the history of the CBD and of this COP, the COP of the people.