A new discussion paper by CSOs, Human Rights in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: Options for integrating a human-rights based approach to achieve the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity proposes steps to integrate human rights into the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The Framework, which contains overarching global goals and targets, will be negotiated and adopted by government Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and will guide actions for conservation and management of natural resources over the next decade. The Framework is a follow-up to the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Integrating a human-rights based approach to achieve the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity has been a sustained demand of organizations representing indigenous peoples and local communities and civil society engaged in the CBD processes. In this document, available in English and Spanish, the authors collate and present key human rights-related language as proposals for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The document takes its point of departure in the recommendations made by the ‘Thematic Workshop on Human Rights as enabling condition in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework,’ held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 18 to 20 February 2020. The compilation has been prepared by a group of participants from the Chiang Mail workshop, representing Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), CBD Alliance, Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (FARN), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, ICCA Consortium, Natural Justice, SwedBio at Stockholm Resilience Centre, Tebtebba Foundation, WWF Indonesia, the CBD Women’s Caucus and Women4Biodiversity.
According to the authors, the document is not an attempt to coalesce around single proposals for Target text, nor for Indicator proposals. Instead, the document seeks to present and display the many ways in which current text under negotiation could be enriched and improved through the integration of human rights concerns. It reiterates that human rights and a healthy planet are mutually dependent. Across human cultures – particularly of Indigenous peoples and local communities – are diverse worldviews, values, ethics and spiritual beliefs that embody and guide people’s reciprocal relationships with the rest of the planet. A key plank in addressing biodiversity loss, the authors note, is land tenure security and recognition of tenure rights. These tenure rights support the systems of governance and knowledge that enable biodiversity management and protection.
The document also underlines the links between biological and cultural diversity; the need to halt industrial drivers of biodiversity loss, including by eliminating perverse investments and incentives that negatively impact biodiversity and human rights; and the importance of ensuring the safety of environmental human rights defenders.
The document is available at: https://www.forestpeoples.org/en/briefing-paper/2021/human-rights-post-2020-global-biodiversity-framework-options-integrating-human