MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK (GBF)

• The GBF was adopted during the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022, following an extensive four-year consultation and negotiation process. This framework is aimed at supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals and building upon previous strategic plans to create a world that lives in harmony with nature by 2050.
• The GBF sets out four goals to be achieved by 2050 and 23 targets for 2030. These targets cover various aspects such as planning, monitoring, reporting, and reviewing implementation strategies, organising finances, developing capacity, enhancing technical and scientific cooperation, and establishing agreements on digital sequence information related to genetic resources.
• Upon adopting the GBF, all participating parties establish committees to set national targets for its implementation. Notably, New Delhi-based rights activist Suhas Chakma highlighted Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal GBF during an event.
• Target 3 aims to increase the coverage of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas, especially those of significant importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, to at least 30% of the world's terrestrial area. Currently, protected areas (PAs) cover approximately 16% of the world's terrestrial area.

The 'Symposium on Conservation, Racism, and Indigenous Peoples Human Rights' highlighted several implications of the GBF and related conservation efforts on indigenous communities and their rights.

Corporate Interests vs. Indigenous Communities

Participants expressed concerns that the goals outlined in the GBF may inadvertently favour corporate interests, particularly those seeking access to forest resources. This could come at the expense of indigenous communities who have traditionally lived in harmony with nature. Examples were cited, such as indigenous peoples in Indonesia's Ujungkulon National Park being denied basic rights like housing, health, education, electricity, and security.

Legal Challenges and Displacement

The symposium also discussed legal challenges faced by indigenous leaders, such as Heng Saphen in Cambodia, who was convicted for cultivating her own land within the Beng Per Wildlife Sanctuary. There were mentions of land being sold to private firms within protected areas, leading to displacement and loss of traditional livelihoods for indigenous communities.

Involvement of Private Sector

Criticism was directed towards the involvement of the private sector in forest conservation efforts. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023 in India, which includes activities like zoos, safaris, and ecotourism as part of forest activities, was highlighted as a step in this direction. Participants argued that such initiatives could further marginalize indigenous communities.

Critique of Conservation Practices

The symposium reflected on the historical context of protected areas (PAs) being initially created for recreational purposes and hunting grounds, often benefiting colonial elites. The concept of ecotourism and sustainable ecotourism projects was also criticized for reducing indigenous peoples to tourist attractions, where they are expected to perform traditional cultural practices in a way that commodifies their identity and heritage.

4. Impact of the GBF on India

The implementation of the GBF in India has significant implications, particularly concerning the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities living in areas designated as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Threat to Indigenous Communities

Activists point out that a large percentage (84%) of India's national parks, out of a total of 106, are situated in areas traditionally inhabited by indigenous peoples. Achieving the targets set by the GBF, especially in terms of expanding protected areas, could directly threaten the existence and way of life of these indigenous communities.

Specific Cases

Several specific examples were cited to illustrate the potential impact of conservation efforts on indigenous groups. For instance, plans to upgrade the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan to a tiger reserve would affect 162 tribal villages both inside and outside the sanctuary. Similarly, the expansion of the Nauradehi Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is expected to impact 62 predominantly tribal villages.

Challenges in Assam

In Assam, the establishment of the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary has raised concerns among indigenous groups. The gazette notification for this sanctuary claimed that it was free from encroachment and had no existing rights or concessions, but indigenous communities such as the Khasis possess historical documents indicating their long-standing presence in the area dating back to 1914.

Balancing Conservation and Indigenous Rights

The situation in India highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing conservation goals with the rights and needs of indigenous communities. Ensuring meaningful consultation, participation, and recognition of indigenous land rights are crucial aspects that need to be considered in the implementation of conservation initiatives like those outlined in the GBF. Finding a sustainable and equitable approach is essential to avoid further marginalization and displacement of indigenous peoples.

Addressing the concerns raised regarding the protection of tribal lands and the rights of indigenous communities requires a comprehensive and rights-based approach. 

Recognition of Rights

The government of India should recognize and uphold the right to free, prior, and informed consent, as guaranteed under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. This recognition is crucial in ensuring that tribal communities have a say in decisions affecting their lands and resources.

Empowering Tribals as Custodians

Amendments to laws should be made to designate tribals as custodians of Protected Areas (PAs). Tribals have historically maintained a special relationship with forests and wildlife, making them natural custodians of these areas. Empowering them in this role can enhance conservation efforts while respecting indigenous knowledge and practices.

Equitable Allocation of Conservation Efforts

The government should ensure that conservation efforts are not disproportionately targeted at tribal areas based solely on electoral considerations. The creation of Protected Areas (PAs) should be equitable, considering biodiversity needs across different regions, as exemplified by the presence of tiger reserves in non-tribal areas like Sahyadri, Satkosia, Kamlang, Kawal, and Dampa.

Addressing Human Rights Violations

Serious attention should be given to addressing human rights violations within Protected Areas. Indigenous communities within these areas must have access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and housing. Their contributions to biodiversity preservation should be acknowledged and respected, and they should not face punitive measures for their traditional way of life.

6. The Way Forward

India can strive for a more balanced approach to conservation that protects biodiversity while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of its indigenous communities. This will require close collaboration between the government, indigenous communities, conservation organizations, and civil society.