February 1, 2004
The Conference of the Parties is the highest decision-making body of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the protection of biodiversity as a foundation for ecosystem and human health. To date the Conference of the Parties has held 6 ordinary meetings, and one extraordinary meeting to adopt the Biosafety Protocol.
At the current 7th Conference of the Parties in Kuala Lumpur, Anne Perrault and Joanna Levitt are working with the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity on efforts to advance specific human rights of indigenous peoples relevant within the context of activities of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Specifically, CIEL’s work with the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity has focused on advancing the right of indigenous and other local communities to require their Free, Prior and Informed Consent before their biodiverse natural resources, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge are used or exploited. This right is viewed as a fundamental issue by indigenous peoples around the world, and as a critical tool in protecting their greater right to self-determination, and their ability to protect the lands and resources on which their people and way of life depend.
Ms. Perrault and Ms. Levitt will participate in several side-events with the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, presenting on the emergence of the right to Prior Informed Consent as a principle of international law, and on individual experiences of communities in implementing this right. Anne will also be making several interventions in attempt to influence the draft text of the CBD to respect and promote these rights.
In addition, Ms. Perrault and Ms. Levitt are working with the Nature Conservancy and Defenders of Wildlife to address invasive species issues in the South Pacific region. CIEL and Defenders of Wildlife have prepared three issue briefs describing issues and options for advancing protection against invasive species.