It would be futile to try to save biodiversity without the help of Aboriginal people, say leaders present at COP15, which is currently taking place in Montreal.
Jennifer Corpuz, an indigenous lawyer from the Philippines, says indigenous people have long been nature’s best protectors, but authorities have excluded them from conservation.
According to her, it is crucial that any agreement negotiated during COP15 recognizes Indigenous rights, the notion of traditional territory in conservation targets and direct access to funding aimed at protecting biodiversity.
Ronald Brazeau, the interim director of the Natural Resources Department of the Anishnabe Nation of Lac-Simon, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, has the impression that the decision-makers present at COP15 are still not listening to the voices of indigenous peoples.
He says his community can witness the effects of climate change and declining biodiversity. He believes that governments do not go far enough in the field of nature conservation, even in protected areas.
Mr. Brazeau recognizes that indigenous groups around the world have different interests, but they are all united by a common desire to protect their territories.
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