From October 21 to November 1, 2024, the United Nations
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of Parties (
COP16) is happening in Cali, Colombia.
This will be the first conference since the adoption of the
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in 2022. The meeting will bring together government representatives from the 196 countries that are Parties to the Convention, representatives of UN bodies, industry representatives, and observer groups, especially Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and other rights holders.
Indigenous representation is essential in moving world leaders to take immediate action on protecting biodiversity, and that is why members of our team will be attending to join the
International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity - IIFB (Indigenous Caucus) and other Indigenous and allied leaders in pushing policymakers for urgent and holistic responses to protecting Nature. Proactive efforts to center, resource, and respect Indigenous rights, leadership, and stewardship must be prioritized in all layers of decision-making as we collectively engage to safeguard biodiversity.
Cultural Survival's in-person delegation includes
Verónica Aguilar (Mixtec), Keepers of the Earth Fund Program Associate;
Jess Cherofsky, Advocacy Program Manager;
Marco Lara (Hñähñu descent), Social and Digital Media Coordinator; and our grant partners:
Nixon Piaguaje Yaiguaje (Siona) leader, politician, and journalist; and
Norberto Farekatde Maribba (Muruy Muyna).
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and Threads as we share Indigenous voices from the ground and report on key actions and takeaways from COP16. 
