COP16: Advancing Indigenous Leadership and Inclusive Conservation
This text, authored by Joseph Itongwa Mukumo and Esther Ngalula Mbuyi from ANAPAC, DRC was originally written in French and has been translated and modified into English for broader accessibility.
Joseph Intongwa Mukumo, National Executive Director of ANAPAC
Esther Ngalula Mbuyi, ICI fellow from ANAPAC participating at CBD COP16.
The outcome of CBD COP16 reinforces the global commitment to valuing and promoting conservation efforts led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The DRC is home to vast and diverse ecosystems, including the world’s second largest rainforest. This rich biodiversity is not only a global treasure, but also a vital resource for the IPLCs who have stewarded these lands for generations. In the DRC, the Alliance Nationale d’Appui et de Promotion des Aires et territoires du Patrimoine Autochone et Communautaire (ANAPAC) is a key player in strengthening, securing and enhancing these conserved areas. As one of the 10 initiatives under the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI), ANAPAC works to identify and map Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs)—also known as territories of life—while promoting their legal recognition and bolstering traditional governance systems. This initiative directly engages 20,000 stakeholders and aims to improve the management of 120,000 hectares of vital ecosystems.
The ICI Phase 2 report highlights the indispensable role of IPLCs in conservation efforts. It emphasizes the importance of securing traditional territories, ensuring direct access to biodiversity finance, and fostering inclusive governance to achieve global environmental benefits (GEBs).
Building on Success: Lessons Learned
The initial phase of ICI in the DRC provided critical baseline information about Indigenous-led conservation efforts, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. One key lesson was the urgent need for IPLCs to gain direct access to large-scale funding. This approach allows communities to lead conservation efforts on their lands, integrating traditional knowledge and practices into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and advancing the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.At CBD COP16, a historic milestone was reached with the establishment of the Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j), which provides a dedicated space within UN environmental agreements to preserve and promote traditional knowledge. This decision, celebrated by the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), represents a major step in recognizing the value of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.
Caption: Joseph Intongwa Mukumo joins other Indigenous leaders at the UNCBD COP16 to advocate for the creation of the Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j)
Empowering Women’s Leadership in Conservation
Aligned with Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ICI, in collaboration with IIFB, has launched initiatives to strengthen Indigenous women’s leadership and integrate their perspectives into NBSAPs. These efforts underscore ICI’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable conservation by centering Indigenous women’s contributions to sustainable land management.
Direct Funding: A New Model in Conservation
Through the GEF-7 ICI, a groundbreaking model has been introduced to channel direct funding to Indigenous and local community organizations. This approach aims to deliver multiple global environmental benefits while supporting cultural and economic development initiatives. By enabling IPLCs to access the financial resources necessary for managing their territories, this model reinforces Indigenous governance and autonomy in conservation.
Case Study: Combining Tradition and Biodiversity
In Kasai Province’s Mweka Territory, in the DRC, Batwa Kandima Indigenous women have demonstrated how their indigenous cultural values and traditional practices preserve intact ecosystems and maintain vital ecological functions. These territories showcase the successful integration of biodiversity conservation with Indigenous cultural heritage.
Caption: Esther is pictured above with the rest of the ICI Fellows from left to right: Onel Masardule (Sotz’il, Panama), Lia Lopez (Conservation International), Esther Ngalula (ANAPAC, DRC), William Naimado (IMPACT, Kenya) and Francisco Colipe (Futa Mawiza, Chile)
ICI is also committed to integrating a gender responsive approach into all its IPLC-led initiatives. Each initiative develops a Gender Action Plan (GAP) to ensure this gender equity in conservation efforts. Dedicated leaders and specific resources are allocated to ensure effective implementation of these plans. By adopting this perspective, ICI reaffirms its commitment to supporting the leadership of Indigenous Peoples in valuing traditional knowledge that demonstrates that Indigenous communities have deep connection with nature. It is essential to recognize and value the contributions of IPLCs and integrating their ideas into all aspects of conservation.
A Vision for the Future
“We look forward to moving forward together with the Inclusive Conservation Initiative, making the lives of Indigenous Peoples more sustainable. Our journey is one of unity and respect, where every step forward is a testament to the strength and wisdom of our communities.”
— Joseph Itongwa Mukumo, National Executive Director, ANAPAC;
Esther Ngalula Mbuyi, Fellow, ICI
