Historic First Article 8(j) Meeting Sets New Standard for Indigenous and Local Community Engagement in Global Biodiversity Governance 

Panama City, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, brought together more than 800 delegates from government, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society organisation and technical experts to Panama City for the first Subsidiary body on Article 8J (SB8J) from 27th – 30th October 2025.

The new body established at the sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia is the first under any multilateral environmental agreement to focus exclusively on the rights, knowledge, and participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs).

The establishment of SB8J marks a significant shift in global biodiversity governance, with strong recognition of the role IPLCs play in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Countries are now encouraged to prepare for more active participation in global processes and to ensure Indigenous-led and community-led initiatives receive appropriate recognition and support.

During the meeting, delegates discussed how SB8J will operate and how it will ensure meaningful IPLC participation in decision-making. Financing and capacity-building were key issues, with governments and international partners urged to expand direct funding pathways for community-driven conservation and restoration efforts. The meeting also highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into biodiversity planning, reporting, and monitoring including ensuring that community-generated biodiversity data is formally acknowledged.

The Cook Islands was represented by Elizabeth Munro – Environment Stewardship Manager and Jessie Nicholson – Biodiversity Coordinator of the National Environment Service.

The Cook Islands delegation emphasized the need to incorporate Traditional Knowledge within global biodiversity reports. Achieving this requires strong financial, technical, and capacity-building support. Additionally, processes for translation and culturally appropriate reporting must be supported along with respectful data-governance arrangements. Strengthened regional cooperation was also highlighted as essential for sharing best practices.

Outcomes from SB8J will provide guidance to the Conference of the Parties (COP) and other subsidiary bodies on issues related to traditional knowledge, community participation, and benefit-sharing as outlined in the Convention and its Protocols.