Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) are playing a crucial role in protecting biodiversity worldwide, but structural barriers continue to limit their contribution, according to a new report released during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan, Armenia.
The report, Local Biodiversity Outlooks 3, presents 56 case studies documenting how Indigenous Peoples and local communities are helping implement the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Released on the second day of COP17 the publication contributes to global assessments of progress towards biodiversity targets.
The report highlights how customary practices and sustainable use of natural resources support healthy ecosystems and communities. However, it stresses that governments must address structural obstacles and provide greater support to ensure Indigenous Peoples and local communities can contribute effectively to global conservation goals.
At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, two years ago, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities received greater recognition for their environmental contributions. Following years of advocacy, a permanent subsidiary body was established under the Convention on Biological Diversity to address issues concerning Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
IPLCs manage as much as 42 per cent of the world’s land, which includes at least 36 per cent of global key biodiversity areas. Their representatives argue that their traditional knowledge and stewardship are essential to protecting ecosystems and achieving the targets set under the global biodiversity framework.
Four of the 56 case studies featured in the report come from India, illustrating how community led initiatives are protecting forests, managing invasive species and strengthening climate resilience.
In Nagaland, villages have voluntarily established Community Conserved Areas (CCAs), where activities such as hunting, logging and other forms of resource extraction are restricted to allow ecosystems to recover. The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum connects more than 407 such areas, demonstrating the scale of community participation in forest conservation.
In the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, members of communities including the Bettakuruma, Kattunayaka and Paniya have been trained as “Barefoot Ecologists”. Their work involves removing invasive species and helping restore diverse, healthy forests that can support native biodiversity.
The initiative demonstrates how local ecological knowledge combined with practical training, can support efforts to address invasive species and restore degraded habitats.
Traditional Rice Varieties Offer Hope for Climate Resilience
Another Indian case study focuses on the Sundarbans where rising sea levels saltwater intrusion and recurring cyclones are increasing pressure on local communities and agricultural systems.
Communities in the region have been involved in restoring and conserving indigenous rice varieties adapted to the delta’s challenging environmental conditions. Researchers and community participants assessed 54 traditional varieties for climate adaptability, yield stability and economic performance.
Of these 19 varieties performed better than commercial hybrid varieties under saline stress. The findings highlight the potential of traditional crops to strengthen food security in regions increasingly exposed to climate related risks.
As countries seek ways to maintain agricultural productivity under changing climatic conditions such community led experiments offer potential alternatives to farming systems that depend heavily on commercial varieties.
Agroecology Gains Recognition, but Funding Gaps Remain
The report also examines how governments are incorporating agroecology farming approaches that work with natural processes and support biodiversity into their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
An analysis found that 97 per cent of NBSAPs include agroecology, while 86 per cent contain a related target and 82 per cent include a policy action. These figures indicate growing government recognition of the role of nature friendly farming in biodiversity conservation.
However, only 51 per cent of the plans include all four elements needed to translate commitments into implementation: a stated commitment, an indicator to measure progress, a designated institution responsible for delivery and associated financing.
This gap between policy commitments and practical implementation remains a significant challenge. Without clear accountability, measurable targets and adequate funding, governments may struggle to turn biodiversity strategies into effective action on the ground.
COP17 Discussions Turn to Global Biodiversity Priorities
Discussions at COP17 are continuing, with contact groups established to address a range of issues, including the conference budget, sustainable wildlife management, resource mobilisation, biodiversity mainstreaming and Digital Sequence Information.
Delegates are also discussing the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and the global review of collective progress in implementing the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
For Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the central demand is that recognition of their contribution must be accompanied by practical measures that strengthen their role in decision-making, conservation planning and resource management. The case studies in Local Biodiversity Outlooks 3 demonstrate the value of community led approaches, while highlighting the need to remove structural barriers that prevent these initiatives from reaching their full potential.