NEWS | 9 February, Washington.- The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) participated of the 66th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council Meeting, in which was launched the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), an investment of $1.1 billion USD for international action on biodiversity. Up to 20% of the fund’s resources will be allocated to support Indigenous-led initiatives to protect and conserve biodiversity. In this context, the IIFB also participated of the 1st Council meeting of the GBFF.
“The creation of this fund and its commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities is an important and clear recognition of the fundamental role they have had for generations protecting biodiversity. We will only achieve the shared vision of a healthy planet and healthy people with collective, inclusive actions, and a human rights approach where we all hold hands together,” said Lucy Mulenkei, Co-Chair of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity.
During the 66th GEF Council Meeting, Viviana Figueroa, member of the IIFB, made a statement of behalf of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG) on the implementation of the GEF adaptation funds. In this framework, the IPAG highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge; the respect of indigenous peoples’ rights, programmes and projects financed by donors; the development of direct support mechanisms according to priorities defined by indigenous peoples and local communities; and ensuring the full and effective participations of indigenous peoples representative institutions in decision making process (click here to access the IPAG Statement).
In the context of the 1st GBFF Council, the IIFB represented by Ramson Karmushu and Viviana Figueroa, presented its views regarding three main agenda items: the allocation policy of the fund and the criteria for the selection of the project “Engagement with and support to IPLCs”; the establishment of an advisory body on IPLCs; and the pace of the project cycle.
Taking into account that IPLCs are partners and co-designers in the projects, and that they participate in decision making and projects based on their priorities and collective rights, IIFB interventions supported the following key messages:
Allocation: The engagement and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in the project selection criteria is a good start to achieve the 20% aspirational target and it is aligned to the KMGBF recognition of the role and contributions of IPLCs. This criterion should be central for the selection of the projects. And it will have to be evaluated on a project by project basis. All projects at all levels should reflect IPLCs, not only 20% of specific projects. Click here to access the statement.
IPLCs guidance is key. Due to its focus on IPLCs, the GBFF needs dedicated staff with experience on issues related to IPLCs. Also, there´s a need of dedicated advice on IPLCs, including the IIFB with expertise on the KMGBF and GEF Indigenous Advisory Group (IPAG) with expertise on GEF. In the case of IPAG, we recommend an extended membership. Finally, there is a need of dedicated budget to IPLC, in order to provide support for effectiveness in the implementation of the GBFF. Click here to access the statement.
From do no harm to a do-good approach. Fast-paced implementation must not be at the expense of safeguards, such as indigenous peoples and women. Safeguards are a minimum requirement and the GEF partnership should seek to co-design and co-execute projects with IPLCs. IPLCs are guardians of much of the world’s biodiversity and only receiving less than 1% in the biodiversity funding. The GBFF needs to be a force to change this rather than exacerbating existing issues. Click here to access the statement.
There next GEF Council Meeting will take place from 17 to 21 June. The IIFB is expected to participate and share its views on the initiative on Engagement with and support to IPLCs.
