International Workshop on
Indigenous and Traditional Territories
(ITTs) and Biodiversity Conservation
MANAUS, BRAZIL, from 2 to 5 September 2025
About the ITTs Workshop
Objectives & Expected Outcomes
The objective of the Indigenous and Traditional Territories (ITTs) International Workshop and Biodiversity Conservation was to exchange experiences and views on Indigenous and Traditional Territories as areas that contribute to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity as well as spatial planning and climate change actions.
Specific objectives:
- To exchange knowledge and experiences on the contribution of Indigenous and Traditional Territories to the conservation of biodiversity;
- To exchange knowledge and experiences on the contribution of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to ecosystem restoration;
- To exchange knowledge and experiences on spatial planning of indigenous and traditional territories and their contributions to the conservation of biodiversity;
- To develop recommendations in preparation for the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j).
Why is it important to discuss ITTs now?
Indigenous and Traditional Territories (ITTs) are vital for the health of the planet. They hold some of the richest biodiversity on Earth and are managed through knowledge systems that have safeguarded ecosystems for generations. Discussing them in the context of conservation is essential to ensure that global biodiversity policies fully recognize and support Indigenous governance, rights, and stewardship. This dialogue will also help position Indigenous and Traditional Territories (ITTs) as a distinct and legitimate pathway for conservation, alongside Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
This workshop takes place at a pivotal moment. The upcoming first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) (SB8j-1) will advance the new Programme of Work on Article 8(j), particularly Tasks 1 and 2, which directly relate to the recognition and respect of Indigenous and Traditional Territories (ITTs). The discussions build on historic victories achieved by Indigenous Peoples at COP16 and COP15, including the adoption of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. These milestones have created an unprecedented opportunity to shape international biodiversity governance in ways that truly reflect Indigenous Peoples’ contributions and rights.
Who participated in the workshop?
A total of 30 participants experts on Indigenous and Traditional Territories from the seven socio-cultural regions: Africa; Asia; Central and South America and the Caribbean; the Arctic; Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia; North America; and the Pacific. The workshop was by invitation only.
Expected outcomes
As a result of the International workshop on ITTs for the conservation of biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples and local communities will be prepared to make full and effective contributions to the SB8J-1. As well as contribute to the adoption of the recommendations by SB8J-1 to be considered at COP17.
The results will also be presented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress (IUCN WCC) which will be held in Abu Dhabi from October 9-15, 2025 and at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30), which will be held in Belém, Brazil from the November 10-21, 2025.
Methodology
- Participatory Approach via Panels, Plenary Sessions and Working Groups: The Workshop employed a highly participatory methodology, structured around plenary sessions—open to all attendees—and focused working group sessions organized around key themes.
- Chatham House Rule for Open Dialogue: Working groups operated under the Chatham House Rule, which means that participants cannot attribute the information shared to any individual or organization. This created safe space for open exchanges.
- Structured Objectives & Thematic Focus: It ensured coherence, meaningful dialogue, and measurable outcomes, as it helped to align participants’ contributions and strengthen the workshop’s relevance.
