To enable and ensure full and effective participation of indigenous peoples' representatives in the 8th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity through the forum of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB).

IIFB preparation activities include:

1. Initiation of the preparatory process
   • Identification of a local host indigenous organization in the host country;
   • Discussion between active IIFB members and IIFB CC for planning of participation in COP-8;
   • Establishment of the Ad Hoc Coordinating Committee for COP-8
   • Preparation of the joint international-level proposal.
2. Preparation of Materials and Dissemination of Information
   • Collation and dissemination of reports to indigenous peoples organizations on meetings feeding into, or relevant to, COP8 (for eg reports to the SCBD related to indigenous knowledge by indigenous peoples, reports of the PFII, WCC -Nov'04, 4th WG8(j), 3rd and 4th WGABS, 1st and 2nd WGPA)
   • Commissioning of case studies to illustrate experience and highlight problems in seven areas: Protected Areas; ABS; FPIC; A8(j); Island Biodiversity, Sustainable Use, Sui Generis Protection of Traditional Knowledge
3. Practical actions for securing effective indigenous participation and influencing COP8 Decisions
   • Preparatory activities at regional and national levels in IIFB regions; discussions and trainings held on the agenda items of COP-8 to prepare delegates for participation
   • Coordination with the Secretariat of the CBD to ensure facilities are available for the IIFB
   • Coordination with other allianced and friendly groups, such as the Equator Initiative
4. Organization of the IIFB Preparatory meeting in Brazil (two days before COP8 meeting)
   • Elaboration and dissemination of the information about the process through broad consultation with regional networks
   • Organization of the Preparatory meeting in Brazil [hosted by the Inter Tribal Committee]
     • Equipment of the local coordination
     • Logistical support to local coordination
     • Selection of staff for translations: English, Spanish, Russian, French, Portuguese
     • Click here to download an MS Word version of the tentative agenda for the IIFB Preparatory Meeting
5. Lobby Strategy and Information Dissemination for Indigenous Peoples
   • Exhibition
     An exhibition throughout COP8 on projects and activities by indigenous communities in promoting indigenous knowledge and biodiversity.
   • Workshops
     Support for three (3) workshops by organizations and peoples under the auspices of the IIFB
   • Caucuses
     Dialogue, participation and alliances with governments, civil society, national and international agencies during some of the IIFB caucus meetings.
   • Interventions
     Use of the results from the IIFB pre-COP meeting in Brazil for interventions in different Agenda items.
6. Dissemination of information to IPs in accessible forms and languages
   • Prepare reports, translate and disseminate to all participants and other interested individuals (CD format where possible)