IN-DEPTH DIALOGUE ON THEMATIC AREAS AND OTHER CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB)

Agenda Item 6

IN-DEPTH DIALOGUE ON THEMATIC AREAS AND OTHER CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity would like to recommend the following theme for the second in-depth dialogue, to be held at the ninth meeting of the Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions-

Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA): Harmonizing traditional knowledge, biodiversity, cultural diversity, and well-being

We feel that an in-depth dialogue on this thematic area will promote synergies between Communication, Education, and Public Awareness initiatives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the strengthening, respecting, and valuing of traditional knowledge and cultural diversity for human well-being.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have had the symbols, codes, and methodologies for effective communication. These have been tools that have allowed for our holistic development as individuals and collective beings.

In present time, communication and education are the ‘spine’ of our identity and global integration of Indigenous Peoples and this has allowed us to strengthen and apply the real labor of communication, education and sensitization society, for living in harmony with nature and the global society.

Traditional knowledge, CEPA, and Community Based Monitoring & Information Systems (CBMIS) are central, not marginal tools, towards attaining the Aichi biodiversity targets. These are priority cross-cutting measures.

In addition, we reaffirm that Indigenous women possess a wealth of knowledge and experience vital to biodiversity conservation. Through many generations of living in close proximity to nature, indigenous women have developed traditional knowledge on resource management and biodiversity conservation.  In fact, indigenous women’s role in crop production and ensuring food security for the family and community is indispensable.

Thanks for your consideration of our recommendation for the next theme for the in-depth dialogue.