The International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity was established by indigenous peoples during COP3 in 1996 and serves as a forum for debate on the Convention that is open to all indigenous peoples from around the world. The importance of the participation of indigenous peoples is increasingly recognised within the decisions taken by Parties to the CBD, notably within Decision V/26 which established the Working Group on Access and Benefit Sharing and Decision V/16 concerned with Article 8(j) and related provisions. During COP5 the Parties recognised the importance of the Forum in Decision V/16 in the following paragraphs:

Recognizing the role that the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity has played since the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties in addressing the Conference of Parties on the implementation of Article 8(j) and related provisions

Invites Parties and Governments to support the participation of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, as well as relevant organizations representing indigenous and local communities, in advising the Conference of Parties on the implementation of Article 8(j) and related provisions.

Please click here for further information about IIFB