Document : Indigenous Peoples
Be Consultative, Participatory
The Statement to the Anglophone Africa Subregional Workshop on the Review of, and Capacity Building for, the Implementation of the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas
This Statement was issued by representatives of indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk at Cape Town, South Africa, during the Anglophone Africa Workshop, 1316 August 2007
We, the indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk from the Anglophone Africa Subregion, are pleased to be part of this review process of the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) programme of work on protected areas.
Noting and acknowledging the recognition by the CBD of the important role played by indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk in the conservation of biodiversity and subsequent implementation of the programme of work on protected areas;
Recognizing the value and importance of partnership by all stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity through participatory establishment and management of protected areas with regard to the inclusion and application of traditional knowledge and practices in accordance with article 8(j) and the related provision;
Aware of the disconnect existing between the national processes and community initiatives, thus leading to the delay of achieving the target of goal 2.2 of the implementation of the CBD programme of work on protected areas;
Noting with concern the existing financial, capacity and technical gaps that have greatly hindered the implementation of the CBD programme of work on protected areas;
We, the indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk wish to put forward the following recommendations:
The governments should improve communication with indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk by using the existing local, national and regional indigenous organizations and/or existing government administration structures.
The governments should put up effective mechanisms, including financial mechanisms, of empowering and building the capacity of indigenous peoples’ local communities and fisherfolk to fully and effectively participate in the management of existing, and the establishment and management of new, protected areas.
The governments should provide an enabling environment by formulating policies and legislation in a consultative and participatory manner for more effective establishment and management of community-managed and -owned conservancies.
There is need to obtain prior informed consent from the indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk before implementing not only the programme of work on protected areas but all other development projects.
While implementing the programme of work of protected areas, there is need to respect and uphold the livelihoods and traditional lifestyles of indigenous peoples, local communities and fisherfolk.
We call upon our respective countries, in consultation with indigenous peoples, local communities, traditional fisherfolk and other stakeholders, to develop guidelines that ensure real and effective engagement and participation, which also take into account the marginalized groups in society such as women and the youth.
Tourism developments projects with regard to protected areas, just like other development projects, must be planned and implemented with full participation of indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk, and these groups should access, and derive equitable benefits from, these projects.
We call upon the governments to respect the Akwé: Kon guidelines with regard to concessions on fragile ecosystems that could negatively impact on biodiversity conservation, especially where transboundary movement of species is involved.
We, indigenous peoples, local communities and traditional fisherfolk, are hereby emphasizing the importance of collaborating and working in partnership with the CBD secretariat, our respective national governments and other stakeholders in achieving the 2010 and 2012 biodiversity targets and the implementation of the programme of work on protected areas.
For More
www.cbd.int/doc/meetings/pa/wgpa-02/information/wgpa-02-inf-03-en.pdf
Report of the Workshop on CBD Site
