May 8, 2025– The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) proudly participated for the first time in the 10th Our Ocean Conference, held in Busan, South Korea from April 28 to 30, 2025. This landmark participation marked a significant step in amplifying Indigenous voices in global ocean governance.
IIFB took part as
a partner in the Ocean Conservation
Project, contributing as a panelist in the side event organized by Oregon State University, titled:
“Accountability in Action at the
10th Our Ocean Conference: Progress in Commitments for Ocean and Fisheries
Health.”
During the event,
IIFB shared insights into its work and achievements within global biodiversity
negotiations, particularly under the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD) and highlighted the synergies between
these efforts and the goals of the Our Ocean Conference.
In the panel
discussion, IIFB emphasized the critical
importance of meaningfully integrating Indigenous Peoples, local communities,
and their knowledge systems into the Our Ocean Conference process,
including how commitments are made, implemented and monitored.
This
participation represents a pivotal moment in advancing Indigenous leadership
and traditional knowledge in shaping ocean conservation and sustainability
agendas worldwide.