Introduction
Indonesia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries, is developing a new roadmap to protect local wisdom in biodiversity conservation. This plan aims to strengthen the recognition and protection of Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), whose traditional practices have protected some of the country's richest ecosystems for centuries.
The International Context
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) are multilateral agreements that recognize the importance of Indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation. The KM-GBF, adopted in 2022, sets ambitious targets, including conserving 30% of the world's land and sea by 2030, while respecting the rights, territories, and knowledge of Indigenous peoples.
The Situation in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to an estimated 50 to 70 million Indigenous people, or around one-fifth of the country's population. Many of these communities inhabit forests, coasts, and other ecosystems with exceptional biodiversity. According to the Working Group on Indigenous Peoples' and Community Conserved Areas and Territories Indonesia (WGII), more than 29 million hectares of Indigenous territories and community-managed areas have the potential to qualify as Indigenous Peoples' and Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCAs).
Challenges and Opportunities
The implementation of this roadmap will face challenges, such as the need for coordination between different levels of government and ensuring that Indigenous communities are effectively involved in the decision-making process. However, it also offers opportunities to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, respecting the rights and knowledge of Indigenous peoples.
Conclusion
Indonesia's new roadmap to protect Indigenous knowledge is a step in the right direction. It is essential that the Indonesian government and the international community work together to support the implementation of this plan, ensuring that Indigenous peoples are protagonists in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the country.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay