YEREVAN, ARMENIA, October 19, 2026 -- The following statement was released today by the Wildlife Conservation Society as the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 (CBD CoP17) commences in Yerevan.

Sushil Raj, Executive Director of Rights + Communities at the Wildlife Conservation Society, said:

"Our Wildlife Conservation Society delegation is following negotiations at CoP17 and WCS would like to reiterate its strong support for the  human rights  of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation.  

"It is important for parties at CoP17 to expand direct access to financing for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and ensure their full, equitable, effective representation and participation in decision making. 

"It is also important to recognize the contributions of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to global conservation goals. This must keep in mind territories traditionally owned, occupied, used or acquired by Indigenous Peoples and local communities consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international human rights standards respectively. In doing so the distinct identities, systems of governance, forms of representation, and status of Indigenous Peoples under human rights law are reflected. Furthermore, Indigenous Peoples and local communities who are defending the environment must be protected. 

"For Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation parties should be guided by the principles of no contact, intangibility, and precaution. They are silently stewarding territories which have high levels of ecological integrity. It is extremely important to establish no-go zones, halt permits, and extractive activities as forms of protection of their way of life and territories.

"The negotiations should decide on the modus operandi (methods of work) of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (SB8J) - the new permanent body devoted to Indigenous Peoples and local communities under the biodiversity convention. Human Rights standards of representation and participation should be kept in mind when developing the modus operandi for genuine co-leadership with governments and not symbolic participation."

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About the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. WCS operates the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo, and conducts conservation programs in more than 55 countries.
www.wcs.org