iifbmedia: May 21, 2008

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

IIFB opening statement on Forest Biodiversity (agenda item 3.4)

IIFB Opening Statement on Forest biodiversity (agenda item 3.4)

Thank you Madam Chair,

Madam Chair, today we are discussing the in-depth review of the implementation of the expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity. With respect to the implementation of this Programme of Work, we have some grave concerns, drawing on the outcomes of the review that was carried out by the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG), that we’d like to share with you. Since sixty million indigenous people worldwide are dependent on forests, this agenda item, and the successful implementation of the Programme of Work, is of vital importance to us. Unfortunately, most Indigenous peoples and local communities are not aware of the expanded programme of work, but also many governments, who have the responsibility to implement it, are not. Hence there is a need for capacity building and awareness raising on this issue at all levels.

One of the overall findings of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group was, that ‘Despite the importance of forest biodiversity for the economic and spiritual well-being of indigenous and local communities, forest decision-making processes often do not take their rights and concerns sufficiently into account’. This is a worrying conclusion.

Also, although ‘seeking to resolve land tenure and resource rights is encouraged in the PoW (goal 2.1.2) the in-depth review revealed unresolved or unclear land tenure issues are amongst the most commonly mentioned obstacles to implementation’, and that lack of land rights and disputes over land rights are major obstacles for land management by indigenous and local communities’. This means that solving these issues have not been successful in most countries as yet. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples shall be the basis to solve this problem.

We want to raise another concern. Protected areas are increasingly proposed as a solution to combat forest loss and degradation. We, Indigenous organisations and networks, are profoundly concerned about this because we know from our own experience that the establishment of Protected Areas can cause harm to Indigenous Peoples including violation of our rights.

We would like to take this opportunity to stress, that in order to achieve results in terms of the implementation of the Programme of Work, we recommend Parties to:

solve and address land rights and tenure issues as a matter of priority
place community-based indigenous management systems of forests at a more central stage and recognise traditional knowledge related to forest as equal to western, scientific knowledge.
guarantee Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ full and effective participation in forest policy design, development, implementation and monitoring at all levels.
ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities who were forcibly removed and relocated from their forest receive restitution and compensation
address other obstacles to implementation of the Programme of Work such as illegal logging and concessions.

Moreover, Madam Chair,

we, forest-dependent Indigenous Peoples and local communities, reject REDD and the production of biofuels in and around our territories
We reject GE trees and call for a total ban on GE trees
and finally, protected areas should not be promoted to conserve forest biodiversity until our rights to our lands, territories and resources are fully recognised and protected.

During this session we will provide you with suggested text changes on these important issues.

Thank you. Madam Chair.

(Spanish Version)

Intervención del Foro Internacional Indígena sobre Biodiversidad Forestal (punto 3.4. de la agenda)

Gracias Sra. Presidenta,

Hoy día estamos discutiendo la revisión profunda sobre la implementación del Programa Extendida de Trabajo sobre biodiversidad forestal. Con respecto a la implementación del Programa de Trabajo tenemos algunas preocupaciones graves, basadas en los resultados de la evaluación hecha por el Grupo de Expertos Técnico Ad-Hoc, que gustaríamos compartir con Uds.

Hace 60 millón de años que los pueblos indígenas somos dependientes de los bosques, entonces este punto de la agenda y la implementación exitoso del Programa de Trabajo son de importancia crucial para nosotros. Sin embargo, la mayoría de Pueblos Indígenas y comunidades locales no conocemos el programa de trabajo expandido así como muchos gobiernos que tienen la responsabilidad de implementarlo. Por eso existe la necesidad de fortalecer las capacidades y aumentar la noción sobre este asunto en todos niveles.

Una de las conclusiones generales del Grupo de Expertos era que “no obstante la importancia de la biodiversidad forestal para el bienestar de las comunidades indígenas y locales, los procesos de decisión sobre bosques muchas veces no toman en cuenta los derechos y preocupaciones de los mismos. Esta conclusión es muy preocupante.

También, aunque se respalda en el Programa de Trabajo (objetivo 2.1.2.) que hay que “tratar de resolver cuestiones pendientes u obscura sobre manejo de tierra y recursos la evaluación mostró que son precisamente estos asuntos no-resueltos que son los obstáculos mayores contra la implementación”, y que la ausencia de derechos territoriales y conflictos sobre derechos territoriales son los mayores obstáculos para manejo del tierra para comunidades indígenas y locales. Esto significa que la resolución de estos asuntos todavía no ha sido muy exitoso en la mayoría de países. La Declaración de la ONU sobre los Derechos de Pueblos Indígenas debe ser el base para resolver este problema.

También queremos manifestar otra preocupación que tenemos, es saber que las áreas protegidas se presenta cada vez más como solución para combatir la pérdida y degradación de bosques. Nosotros, organizaciones y redes de Pueblos Indígenas, estamos muy preocupados sobre eso porque conocemos de experiencia que el establecimiento de nuevos áreas protegidas puede ser perjuicioso para Pueblos Indígenas, incluso la violación de nuestros derechos.

Gustariamos tomar esta oportunidad de enfatizar y recomendar, para llegar a mejores resultados en la implementación del Programa de Trabajo, lo siguiente:

Tratar y resolver como prioridad los asuntos de conflictos sobre derechos territoriales y uso de tierra;
Situar más central que los sistemas de manejo comunitario indígena para el manejo de bosques sean reconocidos, y que también se reconozca que los conocimientos tradicionales son de igual valor como los conocimientos occidentales científicos;
Que se garantice la participación plena y efectiva de los Pueblos Indígenas y comunidades locales en el diseño, desarrollo, implementación y monitoreo de políticas sobre biodiversidad forestal;
Que se asegure que los Pueblos Indígenas y comunidades locales que fueron desechados y relocalizados con fuerza de sus bosques, reciban restitución y compensación;
Que se trata otros obstáculos de implementación del Programa de Trabajo tales como tala de árboles ilegal y concesiones comerciales.

Además, Sra. Presidenta,

Nosotros, Pueblos Indígenas y comunidades locales dependientes de los bosques, rechazamos REDD y la producción de agrocombustibles dentro y alrededor de nuestros territorios;
Rechazamos árboles modificados genéticamente y llamamos por un alto completo sobre árboles modificados genéticamente;
Que áreas protegidas de ningún manera deben ser promovidas para conservación de biodiversidad forestal hasta que se reconozcan y protegen plenamente nuestros derechos a nuestras tierras, territorios y recursos.

Durante la sesión le proveemos con cambios de texto sugeridos sobre estos puntos importantes.

Gracias Sra. Presidenta.

Indigenous Voices 5

IPs Oppose "Ocean Fertilization" and No to Marine Protected Areas Without Their Full and Effective Participation

Report By: Jason Pan, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact

At the fifth day of CBD COP 9, Indigenous Peoples affirmed their opposition to "ocean fertilization" scheme and said "No" to more marine protected areas as the thematic group on "Marine and Coastal Biodiversity" wrapped up the session on Friday, May 23.

Calling a complete ban on the proposed plan on "ocean fertilization", the indigenous and environmental groups reminded the working group delegations that it is an unproven technology, and has dire consequence in causing more pollution and is destructive to marine biodiversity.

"Ocean fertilization" is the proposal by some scientists in which trace element nutrients and chemical materials are released into the sea in the aim of promoting growth of algae, planktons, and other marine organisms, thus can increase the ocean absorption of carbon. However, the effects on generating pollution, algal toxins, biochemical reactions, disruption of marine food chain and oxygen supply has not been established.
It is seem by many NGOs that "ocean fertilization" scheme is a way for some state parties and companies to earn "carbon credits", to circumvent the quota on carbon gas emission and with financial gains in the "carbon trade market".

The position by indigenous and environmental groups was in direct contrast to the position taken by the U.S. The American delegation stated their opposition to a ban on "ocean fertilization", saying such plan should be allowed to be carried out through scientific research teams.

At the "Marine and Coastal Biodiversity" working group, the indigenous delegates indicated they had much negative experiences with marine protected areas. They re-affirmed the opposition to the establishment of more marine and coastal protected areas unless they can fully participate in these projects, and that their rights to territories, coasts and seas are fully recognized and respected.

They also called for the the restitution where marine protected areas were created without free, prior, informed consent of indigenous peoples.

The intervention statement also told the working group that, "criteria for establishing protected areas beyond national jurisdiction are solely bio-geographic and based on scientific criteria and ignore indigenous traditional knowledge systems to manage our marine biodiversity. We request that both these criteria and the ecosystem approach itself must be enriched to include social, cultural and spiritual criteria."

Indigenous delegates of IIFB also pointed to, "the terms “open sea” and “deep sea” are unclear and could mislead or confuse the negotiations here at COP. Indigenous Peoples have a different understanding of these terms than scientists. The definition of these terms must be clarified and Indigenous Peoples must be included in the definition process. The insufficiency of these definitions particularly affects indigenous peoples of the Pacific who live on islands where the continental shelf is very narrow. Applying these definitions would be very detrimental to the food security, culture and rights of Indigenous Peoples. In this regard, Indigenous Peoples experts must be included in the elaboration of the definitions of these themes".

Indigenous Peoples Want International Tribunal for Restitution and Redress on Protected Areas

Report By Ibrahim Ndjobdi, Cameroon

In a side event on "Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and the CBD Program of Work on Protected Areas; What's Progress So Far?`` on Day 5, groups presented three case studies on the negative effects of protected areas (national parks, game reserves, preserves).

The speakers came from Thailand, Suriname, Bangladesh, Cameroon and Tanzania, and it was concluded that protected areas have done more harm than good for the Indigenous Peoples.

Organised by the London-based environment NGO, Forest People Program - FPP and IIFB (International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity), the event brought together Indigenous Peoples` representatives, conservation NGOs, such as WWF and a representative of the German Ministry of Environment.

Issues at stake were the creation of protected areas in Indigenous Peoples lands without free, prior and informed consent of the people and with no equity in benefits sharing. They requested for setting up an International Tribunal on such cases for restitution and redress of their rights.

All the presentations raised issues like eviction of people from their traditional land without any compensation, the exclusion of indigenous community in the management of protected areas, non-compliant with international standards on indigenous rights, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The presentations revealed sad cases where many peoples indigenous have lost their lives, land and resources for livelihood in the name of protected areas.

The indigenous groups resolved to work together through a global network to utilize international standards to change the policies on protected areas.

IPs Negotiate TK and ABS at COP 9

Contribution By: Ruth Batani, Philippines

Indigenous Peoples spoke out on the difficulties encountered at negotiation sessions on TK (Traditional Knowledge) and ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing) during the CBD process. The discuss took place at an event organized by IIFB and Tebtebba last week which focused on the International Regime on Access and Benefit Sharing and TK

Speakers for this event included Joji Carino, Alejandro Argumedo and Malia Talakai from the delegation of IIFB (International Indigenous Froum for Biodiversity).

The indigenous delegates highlighted the issues and concerns that Indigenous and local communities (ILCs) should watch out in the on-going negotiations. The first speaker Joji Carino talked about the simplicity as well as complexity of the on-going ABS negotiations – the transparent rule-making on TK, at the same time negotiations of more complex issues which involves trade and monopolization of genetic resource vis-a-vis human rights and biodiversity.

In this situation, the question of ‘how can the human rights of Indigenous Peoples be respected’ is in order. She spoke on lands, territories and resources under the sovereignty principle of the CBD, the sovereign rights with rules and regulations with regards to access. This is likewise the central theme in the UNDRIP, so that anyone who enters ILC lands, requires respect of these rights. One form of expressing these rights is via the FPIC (free, prior, informed consent).

It is in this context, the sovereignty principle can be harmonized with indigenous peoples rights since states have responsibility to recognize our rights. With the CBD providing the legal framework for negotiations, Carino stressed that it can then serve as benchmark for the ILCs whether or not in this regime, it is respecting these rights. In a situation of biopiracy, a need for ‘user measures’ might be the answer as it is not enough to have laws if there is no enforcement of the user measure and if there is not enough checkpoints.

Alejandro Argumedo, the second speaker talked about CBD as one of the most advanced avenue for promoting indigenous peoples rights. The 2010 target focused on the conservation and on the ABS are issues on genetic resources and biotechnology linked with trade. He warned that trade interests appear to be dominant in the TRIPS – with a note that the issue on TK might be reduced to commercial application. There is then a need to expound on benefits and the protection of lands, cultural rights and cultural heritage. The challenge lies at the community level where there is an urgent need to look into inherent protection mechanisms via local registries and indigenous institutions and how these can be protected.

Malia Talakai, the last speaker, spoke on the findings of a WIPO commissioned study on traditional knowledge with the objective of looking at guidelines or protocols and best practices in the Pacific. Findings show that apart from Australia and New Zealand, there are two countries in the Pacific that have protection mechanisms and best practices in place. Talakai noted that somehow, this ensures the fair and equitable sharing of. The Pacific regulation system is an example of a sui generis system – and the challenge lies on including other practices that are more specific.

Questions arising from the floor reaffirms the need to strategize at the international negotiations particularly because the modern western ‘laws’ looks at access and benefit sharing as compartmentalized and specific, as well as clear positions on issues that take into account specifity of situations. Estebancio Castro Diaz, who moderated the side event, ended with a note that indeed there is a need to take note of the dynamics of certain regional situations and agreed that there is a need to strengthen local communities and local protection mechanisms.

Indigenous Voices 4

IIFB Warns Biodiversity Loss in Dry and Sub-Humid Lands
Report By: IIFB Media Team

Indigenous Peoples delegates from the sub-Sahel region and African countries made request for the application of traditional knowledge and ecosystem approach to combat loss of biodiversity in dry and sub-humid lands.

Addressing the working group on “Dry and Sub-Humid Lands” on Day 4 of CBD COP 9 Conference, they said the challenge is the effective implementation of environmental and economic policies, with inclusion of indigenous communities.

The Indigenous Peoples delegates said that most of the solutions to the problems of arid and sub humid lands already exist in the three Rio conventions.

One major recommendation is the call for greater attention by UN agencies and Parties for conservation of biodiversity in arid and sub humid lands. They also requested for policies and programs on dry lands should respect the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other regional provisions, such as the African Human Rights Commission Report on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

They say programs and policies are needed to evolve in cooperation with mobile Indigenous Peoples` traditional knowledge as set out by the Ad Hoc Working group on 8j.
Indigenous representatives also saw the need for greater harmonization between CBD `s inter related elements on dry lands and called for full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in these processes.

The Statement made the following six recommendations to COP:
1. Encourage more attention by UN agencies and Parties to enhance the conservation of biodiversity in dry and sub-humid lands;
2. Promote a human rights approach to dry and sub humid lands policies and programming at international, regional and national levels as well as recognizing the indigenous peoples and local communities land rights, including valuing cultural diversity. This includes inter alia respect for the principles contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other instruments at the regional and national level;
3. Dry and sub-humid lands policies and programming need to evolve in cooperation with indigenous peoples and local communities’ traditional knowledge, notably as set out by the Ad Hoc Working Group on 8J;
4. There should be greater harmonization between CBD’s inter-related elements related to dry lands (i.e. 8J, 10C, ABS and Ecosystems Approach) and the work of the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) and the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC);
5. Harmonization between the Rio Conventions notably applies to the full recognition by Parties of indigenous peoples and local communities as a Major Group in all three instruments;
6. Lastly madam chair, we recommend full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities especially indigenous women in the UNCBD SBSTTA activities dealing with dry and sub-arid lands as well as related working groups.

Indigenous Peoples Urge for Support to Implement CEPA Program of Work
Report By IIFB Media Team

In Working Group II on Day 4 of COP 9, Indigenous Peoples urge all Parties, donors, and international organizations to support their initiatives in the implementation of CEPA program of work.

Indigenous delegates Chin Khan Muan (indigenous Zo-Chin people from northeast India) read the statement on behalf of IIFB (International Indigenous Forum for Biodiversity). He presented the CEPA work by the IIFB group with the launching of the “Indigenous Peoples Portal” website: http://indigenousportal.com, along with the formation of Indigenous Peoples’ CEPA Work Group. The Indigenous delegates welcomed all Parties and other stakeholders to visit the portal for news, information, and activities.

Indigenous Peoples also supported the proposal to celebrate 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity, and Agenda for Action 2008-2010. They also urged Parties to ensure full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in the implementation of these two programs. Indigenous delegates also supported the proposal by EU in regard to CEPA training and indicated their interest to take part of the training.

Indigenous Voices Issue 3

Indigenous Voices
CBD COP 9- Bonn, Germany
22nd May, 2008 Bulletin 3

Indigenous Delegates Resist REDD Program
Report By IIFB Media Team

Indigenous delegates on Day 3 of COP9 drew attention to the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries (REDD) program. They said implementing the program would threaten their lives, lands and livelihoods.

In a side event held on Day 3, entitled “REDD vs. People”, indigenous speakers were united in opposing the REDD program, which is currently being negotiated as a clean development mechanism (CDM) within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“REDD inclusion violates the rights of Indigenous Peoples because it has no legal framework for protecting their rights. Without that legal framework, instead of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, REDD will violate indigenous rights,” as speaker Estebancio Castro Diaz of Panama issued the warning. He cited a CDM project in Colombia, cited by the UN as an example of a good practice, where many local people died to clear the area for the project.

Adam Ole Mwarabu, of the Parakuyio Pastoralists Society in Tanzania echoed the same apprehensions on REDD. “REDD projects might have adverse impacts on our lands, food security, forests and peace,” he said. “Our lands are being taken and converted for planting of jetropha, but what about our pastoralism industry that has been there for centuries”

Ronnie Hall of the Global Forest Coalition pointed out that REDD and other market mechanisms offer a way for governments to reduce their emissions cheaply, and thus “discourages real solutions to climate change.” She also spoke on the adverse impacts of REDD on women, noting that market mechanisms exacerbate existing inequities.

She especially noted women’s vulnerability, having no lands or earning less to start with, and for many of them dependent on forest biodiversity which they rely on for food and medicine. She cited a proposed REDD project in Indonesia by a paper company that will create a plantation of eucalyptus and other similar tree species around an undisturbed forest to keep the community from entering it.

The indigenous speakers urged that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples should be considered in formulating policies and programs to mitigate climate change. Diaz added that the free prior informed consent of Indigenous communities should be obtained before any project is undertaken. Mwarabu on the other hand called for Indigenous Peoples to come together for a stronger voice and for a wider dissemination of information and sharing of experiences, particularly on abuse and indigenous rights violations, on such projects.

Article 8 j Must Reflect UN Declaration on Rights of IPs

Report By IIFB Media Team

At the Working Group on Article 8 j on Day 3 of COP 9, Indigenous Peoples demand that rights identified in the UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) to be reflected in the 8 j decisions.

Making the intervention statement to the working group, the indigenous delegates stated, “Recognizing and affirming the UNDRIP adopted by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007, considering that some of the rights considered in the Declaration are relevent to 8 j and other commitments under the CBD”.

The Indigenous Peoples said they strongly support the continuation but re-organization of 8 j programme of work, and the further development of the Draft Elements of an Ethical Code of Conduct. They also requested the change of wording from “indigenous and local communities”, to be amened to state, “Indigenous Peoples and local communities” through out all 8 j decisons and text.

The IIFB statement was read by Merle Alexander, an indigenous delegate from B.C., Canada. In concluding the statement, the IIFB statement also raised concerns that there has been a lack of progress of the 8 j Working Group on certain amendment decisions.

The Day of Biodiversity in Kamchatka – Indigenous Perspective from Around the World

For May 22 to mark the Day of Biodiversity, citizens of the Itelmen Village of Kovran district (Kamchatka, Russian Pacific Coast) will organize a photo exhibition: "Consequences of Oil Spills" where more then 20 works were presented. The pictures are to show the effects of the oil spills that occurred last year in Korea, Norway, San-Francisco (USA), and Kerch (Russia).

No comments are needed for the pictures. Each of the photos reflects the destruction of the environment: birds dying, black landscape, animals covered in oil slick, and many other depressing scenes. The exhibition will be accessible to the Indigenous Peoples in the area.

Kovran is the first village where the photo exhibition was sent. This is to let the people know about the coming dangers, when in June 4, 2008 a big oil company is planning to start prospecting drilling of oil and gas in the Western Kamchatkan Shelf of the Okhostk Sea. It is in a close location to the Kovran Village, which is the only village of Itelmen people. The planned work will result in negative socio-ecological impact and new dangers to the Indigenous Peoples of Kamchatka, who live on the territories which border with the licensed area. Such exhibitions are planned to show in other Kamchatkan villages of the peninsula.

Ecological education for the population about the consequences of oil spills is led by the Committee of NGOs on Conservation of Western-Kamchatkan Shelf of the Okhotsk sea (Kamchatkan League of Independent Experts, Ethno-Ecological Information Center "Lach", the eco-regional branch of WWF, Council of Itelmen People of Kamchatka "Tkhsanom", Magadan Center for the Environment, and Kamchatkan Regional Association of the Indigenous Peoples of the North and others.

Contribution by Tatiana Degai,Ethno-Ecological Information Center "Lach"Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski, Kamchatka, Russiawww.lach-kamchatka.ru

GEF Provides Grant to Indigenous Peoples

Report By IIFB Media Team

GEF (Global Environment Facility) announced the availability of a small grant program for Indigenous Peoples, according to officials at a side event taking place at the Gustav-Stresemann-Institute yesterday.

Speakers from GEF said the maximum for the small grant is 50.000 USD. The area of work interest is the sustainable use of biodiversity. They have so far funded over 980 projects since 1992 in 22 countries. There have been more than 102 projects dedicated to Indigenous Peoples in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. They hope to extend funding to more projects in other countries as well.

The GEF funds are implemented by UNDP and indigenous organizations and communities are advised to get in contact with the various regional and country UNDP offices for accessing to the funds. A Mexico-based women organization presented a report on a marine conservation project funded by GEF.

Indigenous representatives expressed their worries that GEF funds are difficult to access since it is the States that select projects for funding and had always went to the big cities for those working with the big NGO networks.

The GEF team said they are now facilitating the process and Indigenous Peoples can access their funds through a simple film highlighting their problems on biodiversity. A sample of the film was distributed to participants.

For more on the funds and further information, please contact Yoko Watanabe, GEF program manager; ywatanabe2@TheGEF.org.

For further information contact IIFB Media Team:
Jason Pan: jasonpan@mail2000.com.tw, Malia Nobrega: malianob@aol.com, or http://iifbmedia.blogspot.com/, http://indigenousportal.com/. Contributors: Ann Loreto Tamayo, Dipujjal Khisa, Ibrahim Njobdi
Layout and Photos: Chinkhanmuan Gualnam

Indigenous Voices Issue 2

Indigenous Voices
CBD COP 9 - Bonn, Germany
21st May, 2008 Bulletin 2

Indigenous Peoples demand ban on biofuel
Report by IIFB Media Team
(IIFB – International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity)

At the COP 9 second day session, the Indigenous Peoples delegates requested for a worldwide ban on biofuel and agro-fuel production, and also called on action on the following:
NO GMOs in our territories
Termination of the “terminator seed”
Ban of patents on seeds, and biopiracy
Support Indigenous Peoples and small farmer’s food systems

Requesting for international community support at the proceeding on Agriculture Biodiversity, the Indigenous Peoples representatives stated that production of biofuel and agro-fuel is highly destructive to agrobiodiversity.

The delegates noted the “negative impacts of agro-fuel in our food sovereignty and security”, and called on Parties to end the perverse subsidies that hurt agrobiodiversity.

The indigenous delegates pointed to the need for protection of agrobiodiversity from the negative impact of corporate driven agriculture and global trade.

“Local food systems, traditional seed exchange systems, and maintaining ecosystem and seed diversity are examples of how Indigenous Peoples use their traditional knowledge to respond to climate pressures and be food self-sufficient”, as the IIFB statement was read out by Louie Hena, a Native American from New Mexico.

The demand for the ban of biofuel is in contrast to the position taken by some of the state Parties. At the Agriculture Biodiversity agenda, Brazil spoke in favour of “sustainable production of biofuels, given its contribution to the social and economic development, and to the environment.

Indigenous Peoples request countries such as Brazil to re-examine the biofuel issue, noting that, “In the face of climate change, the indigenous farmers are doing better with genetic variation and are selecting from a larger pool of local materials….

The importance of indigenous traditional knowledge, innovation, and practices is clearly evident in light of the current climate and food crisis.” The IIFB reminded everyone at COP9 that the discussions on agricultural biodiversity must include a holistic approach that includes Indigenous Peoples’ traditional agricultural landscapes, biocultural systems, food sovereignty and their right to life as peoples.

Action needed to mitigate effects of Climate Change
Report by IIFB Media Team

The Indigenous Peoples delegates of the IIFB team also focused their work on the CBD thematic groups of Climate Change, Forest Biodiversity, and Financial Mechanisms.

The topic of Climate Change and its impact on indigenous communities was addressed in the afternoon side event. Entitled, “Indigenous Peoples, Biodiversity, and Climate Change”, the event organized by IIFB was facilitated by Lucy Mulenkei (Kenya).

The panel consisted of three indigenous delegates (representing Africa, Latin America, and Asia): Adam Ole Mwaraby (Tanzania), Marcial Arias (Panama), and UNPFII Chairperson Vicky Tauli-Corpuz (Philippines), .who spoke in turn on the effects of climate change in their home communities.

Providing examples from their country and indigenous communities, the speakers told the audience that impacts of climate change are already being felt, and has led to degradation of the environment and biodiversity. They said drought, inland water loss, and severe storms have severely impacted on the livelihood of indigenous communities in many countries around the world.

The indigenous delegates called on the state parties and the international community to work together for action and mitigation plans on climate change.

They see the industrialized capitalist system as responsible for this. climate change. In Tanzania for example, the pastoralists were forced out of their traditional land, after they lost more than half of their livestock from severe droughts and diseases.

Indigenous peoples expressed concern that although they master their environment and have been utilizing it in a sustainable way for centuries without problem, yet they are not fully included in the CBD and UN Framework convention on climate change which does not even mention indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Peoples ask Financial Mechanism support
Report by IIFB Media Team

During second day COP 9 Working Group II on 3.8, Financial Resources and the financial mechanism, it was general acknowledged that funding is far short of what’s needed to attain the CBD goals.

However, Parties were split on whether to seek new funding sources versus making better use of funds received from traditional contributors.

Some Parties called for improved reporting and more professional follow-up; use of selective indicators based on data sets, and strengthening capacity to improve results.

The African Group supported the declaration by Namibia that developing nations have limited resources and need this funding. There was a complaint that volunteer contributions and satisfactory results have not always been recognized;

The ILC spoke of drafts without the benefit of input from Indigenous Peoples and expressed alarm that funding from World Bank might violate Human and Indigenous Rights.

IPs must participate in discussions with the World Bank in compliance with the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People.

Namibia again spoke on behalf of the African countries stating they must play a critical role because the less fortunate countries continue to suffer.

The GEF procedures must be reviewed; new reforms and reduction in counter-part funding are needed. There must be reapportionment of multi-regional projects in tourism, mining and agriculture. The African countries need to establish their own priorities and determine whom they would like to work with.

Because of the wide range of differing views by Parties, the chair recognized that further discussion is required. Therefore, an open-ended working group will be established with one co-chair from a developed country and one from an under-developed country. Venues and dates will be scheduled so that meetings will not conflict.

For further information contact IIFB Media Team:
Jason Pan: jasonpan@mail2000.com.tw,
Malia Nobrega: malianob@aol.com

Indigenous Voice Issue 1

Indigenous Voices
CBD COP 9- Bonn, Germany
20th May, 2008 Bulletin 1

Indigenous Traditional Blessing Ceremony Performed Outside COP9 as Request Turned Down Report by IIFB Media Team,

More than 500 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and representatives of local rural communities from around the world are here in Bonn, Germany to participate at the COP 9 – CBD Conference..

On the first day of COP 9 – CBD, a request by the Indigenous Peoples to perform a traditional blessing at the plenary opening ceremony was turned down. The request was made to the CBD Secretariat during the IIFB Prep Meetings this past weekend. According to an official reply from the CBD Secretariat, it was not approved because of time limitation, as the program for the opening ceremony had already been decided.

Instead, the Indigenous Peoples performed their own traditional blessing ceremony at the indigenous caucus room at the GSI (Gustav-Stresemann-Institute). Dressed in traditional costumes, six Indigenous representatives (one each from Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, Pacific, and Arctic regions) led the blessing ceremony with a prayer offering, along with burning smoke of medicinal plant leaves. They invoked the spirit of indigenous ancestors, and asked for the protection and life-sustaining powers of Mother Nature.

Having to do the traditional blessing ceremony outside of the COP 9 event venue is symbolic of the fact that Indigenous Peoples have been mostly shut out of the consultation and decision-making process at the various levels. In this context, the indigenous delegation is demanding for stronger inclusion and more effective participation in the CBD processes.

Indigenous Peoples Demand Inclusion and Rights Protection In CBD Process
Report by IIFB Media Team

At the COP 9 first day opening plenary session, the Indigenous Peoples put forth recommendations to the COP 9 session on thematic topics of Women and Youth, Climate Change, Access and Benefit Sharing, Protect Areas, Article 8j, and Financing Mechanisms.

Recommendations were also made on Agriculture Biodiversity, Inland Waters, Invasive Species, Island, Marine and Coastal Biodiversity, and other CBD thematic topics. Representing IIFB and worldwide Indigenous Peoples, the recommendation was read out by Malia Nobrega (Hawaii) at session of COP 9.

This IIFB Opening Statement gave thanks to the Government of Germany and the City of Bonn for hosting COP 9. The Indigenous Peoples also appreciated the efforts by all the States that voted for the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) last year.

Adoption of this Declaration has affirmed the existence and establishment of the universal human rights standards for the protection of the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Statement went further to note that implementation of any decisions under the CBD must be consistent with the rights as enshrined in the UNDRIP.

“The right to self-determination and the right to sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples over our territories and natural resources are the fundamental principles upon which we assert our inherent collective rights over our traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and genetic resources,” as the statement was read out by Malia to the full-house audience at the COP 9 opening plenary session.

The IPs called forth for the implement of the three Rio Conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

Further information please contact IIFB Media Team
Jason Pan: jasonpan@mail2000.com.tw
Malia Nobrega: malianob@aol.com
http://iifbmedia.blogspot.com/
http://indigenousportal.com/

iifbmedia

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

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Malia Nobrega reading the IIFB opening statement

Opening Prayer (IIFB caucus hall)

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