UN General Assembly on Biological Diversity Agreements to Establish 'Indigenous Representative Organization'

The 16th United Nations Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) has agreed to create a permanent body for Indigenous peoples to consult on UN decisions on conservation.

The Indigenous Representative Organization will serve as an assistant organization dedicated to "issues related to Indigenous people and communities."

The decision is considered a milestone in recognizing the role Indigenous people play in preserving nature in many parts of the world, including the most biodiversity-rich regions.

Foreign media said the agreement was the first major agreement reached between the parties at the COP16 meeting held for two weeks from the 21st of last month.

COP16 has agreed to give specific roles to African residents in the Indigenous Permanent Organization, but details have not been finalized.

The 17th General Assembly (COP17), which will be held in 2026, will be held by Armenia.