COP17: IPLCs’ contributions to the implementation of the KMGBF discussed

Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ani Avetisyan delivered opening remarks at an event titled “Traditional Knowledge for Action: Contributions of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” held under the auspices of Armenia’s COP17 Presidency as part of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).

Organized in cooperation with the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), the event brought together representatives of the Convention’s Parties and a broad range of stakeholders to discuss the important contributions of the traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

According to a statement issued by Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Avetisyan emphasized the important contributions of the traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, as recognized in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Referring to the Taking Action for Nature Yerevan Declaration adopted following the Leaders’ Summit, Deputy Minister Avetisyan noted that the declaration underscores the importance of the full and effective participation and contribution of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to achieving the Global Framework’s 2030 mission and targets.

International partners also participated in the event and delivered remarks, including Aluki Kotierk, a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and Ramiro Batzin, Co-Chair of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity.