PUBLIKASI

Although Indonesia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, its ecosystems continue to face growing threats from unsustainable human activities. Ahead of the 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16), Indonesian civil society organizations emphasized that biodiversity conservation efforts must recognize the close relationship between nature and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), who have safeguarded and managed ecosystems across generations. They stressed that protecting Indigenous rights and incorporating traditional knowledge are essential to achieving effective and sustainable conservation.

In the statement, civil society organizations urged the Indonesian government and the international community to recognize and protect the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, halt development and industrial practices that harm biodiversity, and provide adequate financial and policy support for community-based conservation initiatives. By placing community rights at the center of conservation strategies, Indonesia is expected to better protect its rich biodiversity while contributing to the achievement of global environmental conservation targets.