PACIFIC Island countries have secured a breakthrough in biodiversity negotiations at CBD COP17, with proposed recognition of indigenous territories and community-managed conservation areas under global protection targets.
Delegates pushed to recognise Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) alongside protected areas under Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Negotiators also agreed on preamble language recognising the contributions of indigenous and traditional territories, although the decision remained subject to formal adoption at the conference’s conclusion.
Vanuatu delegate Dean Wotlolan, representing national and Pacific Small Island Developing States’ interests, said recognition was essential for countries where conservation areas are traditionally owned.
“The recognition of indigenous and traditional territories must be formalised by the CBD COP so we can recognise their work and contributions towards meeting Target 3,” Wotlolan said.
He said approximately 90 per cent of Vanuatu’s conservation areas were owned and governed by indigenous communities.
Target 3 seeks to conserve at least 30 per cent of the world’s land, inland waters...