At COP17, indigenous peoples, women, and youth are central to biodiversity talks, with a new term 'non-state actors' being used to include them.
COP17 focuses on major groups
At the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, indigenous peoples, women, and youth have been identified as the three "major groups" in the ongoing negotiations. Their roles in addressing biodiversity loss are being increasingly recognized.New term replaces traditional labels
Recent efforts have focused on recognizing the role of these groups in combating biodiversity loss. A new, more inclusive but vague term, "non-state actors," has begun to be used to refer to these groups.Youth network seeks inclusion
In Erevan, Armenia, the Global Youth Network for Biodiversity is seeking to be heard at COP17. The network represents young people from around the world who are actively involved in environmental conservation efforts.Youth advocate highlights financial issues
Flavia Gonzales from Bolivia, a member of this network, emphasizes the need to denounce "harmful financings" that contribute to the destruction of natural resources. She argues that such financings often support activities that degrade ecosystems and threaten species survival.
