Photo source: cbd.int

Written by Nabila Revianti

Indonesia is a participating country in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which officially came into force on December 29, 1993. This convention has three main objectives: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of biological diversity components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources.

As a participating country, Indonesia is obligated to set ten-year targets for biodiversity protection efforts at the national level. These targets are outlined in a document called the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP). Since the targets until 2020 have ended, Indonesia is currently preparing a new IBSAP document, coordinated by Bappenas. This new IBSAP document must align with the global framework document per decade resulting from the 15th CBD participant countries’ conference in 2022, named the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF). It’s important to note that the KM GBF document recognizes the crucial role of territories and traditional practices and knowledge in the conservation and management of natural ecosystems. There needs to be an emphasis on the involvement and empowerment of communities as key actors in efforts to preserve biodiversity. These efforts must also be accompanied by the principle of inclusivity, which respects human rights, gender equality, and active participation from various groups, including women, youth, indigenous peoples, and local communities.

HuMa is part of WGII that advocates for the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights as key actors in biodiversity conservation in this new IBSAP document. WGII or Working Group ICCAs Indonesia is a platform for coordinating and synergizing stakeholders in managing Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) in Indonesia, born after the ICCAs Symposium in Bogor on October 13-14, 2011. WGII was established with the aim of understanding and strengthening the role of indigenous peoples in preserving nature in Indonesia through the application of their local wisdom. WGII is formed through collaboration between various organizations including HuMa, AMAN, BRWA, JKPP, NTFP-EP, KIARA, PUSAKA, SAWIT WATCH, WALHI, and WWF. WGII’s efforts focus on promoting recognition and appreciation of territories and conservation areas managed by indigenous peoples and local communities (ICCAs).

Currently, the involvement of indigenous peoples in the formulation of IBSAP is not evident. Yet, indigenous and local communities play a significant role in biodiversity protection, with land management patterns that align with their local wisdom. RRI data shows that indigenous peoples and local communities traditionally contribute to preserving 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Data from WGII, BRWA, and FWI indicate that 70% of land cover in indigenous territories is still in good condition. This is because conservation cannot be separated from communities. For many indigenous peoples and local communities, conservation is an essential part of their culture and livelihood. The main reason is that communities often depend on natural resources around them, such as rivers, agricultural land, and forests for their primary needs like food, traditional medicines, building materials, and main sources of income. Additionally, indigenous peoples and local communities inherit sustainable knowledge and practices passed down through generations to maintain ecological balance and environmental sustainability in their habitats. Conservation is not just an action but also a reflection of cultural identity and a harmonious way of living alongside nature.

Traditional conservation practices of indigenous peoples need to be respected, recognized, and actively involved in decision-making related to natural resource management. Unfortunately, these roles are not appreciated by the state in conservation policy formulation. In fact, indigenous peoples often become victims of state conservation policies. HuMa data in 2018 shows 86 conflicts related to forests, with 27 of them occurring in National Parks. 13 of these conflict cases have resulted in violence. These conflicts are closely related to social and economic issues. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission recorded 40 cases of communities in conflict with forest areas, with the majority in conservation areas.

In a meeting with Bappenas and several ministries/agencies in Bogor on March 15, 2024, WGII assessed that the commitments outlined in the KM-GBF provide a fresh new hope as it demands member countries, including Indonesia, to set ambitious goals in