For Jamma and the Indigenous Peoples Network of Southern Africa (IPNeSA), COP16 was a milestone in advancing Indigenous-led conservation. 

With Jamma’s support, IPNeSA’s hosted a side event showcasing Indigenous-led Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). IPNeSA also contributed to the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) statement, ensuring Southern African perspectives on sustainable use and equitable benefit-sharing were heard on the global stage. 

Key Outcomes from COP16 CBD include: 

• Indigenous Knowledge in Policy: The establishment of a permanent global body to formally integrate Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and practices into biodiversity policies was a landmark achievement. 
• Recognition of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: These groups are now recognised as key partners in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, with their contributions central to achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals. 
• Resource Equity: A decision to allocate 20% of biodiversity funds from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to IPLCs by 2030 marks a critical step toward equitable resource distribution. 

Reflecting on COP16, Jamma’s Lesle Jansen shares:

“While the progress made at COP16 is historic, sustained participation is essential to truly empower Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity governance. We must invest in long-term capacity building, strengthen regional networks, and ensure meaningful representation of diverse voices, especially women and youth.”

Jamma remains dedicated to stand alongside Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as they advocate for their rights, leadership and knowledge to shape a future where biodiversity policies reflect their essential contributions.