A major new guidance document on conservation and human rights was launched on Tuesday 29 October 2024 at the sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
This ground-breaking publication, titled Conservation and Human Rights: An Introduction, has been developed by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS) at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Forest Peoples Programme (FPP).
The guidance offers a comprehensive overview of international human rights instruments and frameworks, and of their application to conservation.
It provides much-needed resources and practical tools to help conservation professionals understand what a human rights-based approach to conservation involves, setting out relevant human rights of people who are particularly affected by the traditional ‘fortress conservation’ approach – Indigenous peoples, local communities, women and environmental human rights defenders.
‘Conservationists should not think about human rights law as a framework that constrains their actions, but as one which can serve as a guide for how to do conservation well and effectively from the bottom up, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, local communities and other rights-holders – which also happens to be the most effective form of conservation.’
ANOUSKA PERRAM
Contributing author, from Forest Peoples Programme
The publication comes at a crucial time after nearly 200 countries reaffirmed their commitment to a human rights-based approach to conservation in 2022, when they adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15.
However, achieving this commitment will require a major transformation in how conservation is implemented, shifting from top-down conservation models to approaches that support locally led conservation initiatives, which are more effective and equitable, as the guidance maintains.
‘This guidance document represents a critical step in redressing the balance between traditional, state-protected areas and conservation efforts led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities. It will also help conservationists foster a rights-based approach to conservation, by improving their understanding of the application of international human rights norms and standards to conservation.’
DR HELEN NEWING
A lead author, from ICCS, University of Oxford
Key practical tools outlined in this guidance for conservation in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and local communities include social safeguard and human rights due diligence procedures; human rights impact assessments; free, prior and informed consent processes; grievance mechanisms and support for remedy and restitution in conservation practices.
In addition to protecting human rights, this guidance emphasises the importance of actively supporting rights-holders in fulfilling their rights.
In light of this, it includes several tools for supporting rights-holders to protect and conserve their lands, territories and biodiversity – including by reconciling past and current injustices and by mapping and monitoring their own lands and biodiversity.
‘Long-term, generationally successful conservation requires that the rights that individuals and groups hold to their lands, territories and resources are recognised and protected, and that their self-determined and locally led efforts to protect and conserve those areas are supported – financially, technically and politically. Rather than passive recipients of external interventions, Indigenous Peoples and local communities are custodians and stewards of their lands, territories and resources and active in their defence.’
HELEN TUGENDHAT
Contributing author to the guidance, from Forest Peoples Programme
The Conservation and Human Rights document marks a significant step towards building a more inclusive and equitable future for conservation, aligning with international commitments and offering a pathway to better outcomes for both biodiversity and the communities that depend on it.
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