National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) jointly organized the NBSAP Revision - Nepal Introductory Sharing Event
2024-12-29
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On December 27, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) jointly organized the NBSAP Revision - Nepal Introductory Sharing Event at Indreni Suites Hotel, Kathmandu. This crucial gathering brought together Indigenous leaders, Thematic experts of the NBSAP Technical Committee, Policymakers, and Stakeholders to discuss integrating Indigenous Peoples' rights and knowledge into Nepal's biodiversity conservation strategies. The event featured key presentations from notable speakers, including Indigenous Biodiversity expert, Kamal Sampang Rai, who emphasized the importance of Indigenous Knowledge asytem and practices in conservation efforts. 

Dr. KC Poudel, Biodiversity expert and team lead of  NBSAP Technical Committee provided updates on NBSAP progress and the integration of Global Biodiversity Framework targets. Ek Raj Sigdel from WWF discussed Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM), Similarly, Bibek Sharma  from UNDP GEF Small Grants highlighted the importance of documenting best customary practices. 

Discussions featured active participation of WWF, IUCN, UNDP, and various Indigenous Peoples' organizations such as YFIN, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, Kirat Mahasangh, INOWLAG, CIPRED, NIDA, Sunuwar Samaj. The dialogue focused on critical issues, including land rights, human-wildlife conflicts, and the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. Participants emphasized the importance of obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for conservation projects and advocated for the meaningful inclusion of Intersections of Indigenous People, in decision-making processes. GESI Expert Sunaina Sharma and Climate Change Expert Ripu Kunwar from the NBSAP Technical Committee  shared their insights and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing intersectionality in these challenges. Rajendra Dhungana, Focal point of CBD from the Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Forests and Environment, shared insightful remarks on the government's priorities for biodiversity conservation and their plan of calling a IPLCs committee under the secretariat. The closing remarks, delivered by the Chair of NIWF and the Indigenous Peoples' representative to the NBSAP Steering Committee, Suni Lama, concluded the event with a key suggestion to the NBSAP technical committee, to ensure the provisions relevant to the connection of Indigenous Women’s rights and contribution in biodiversity preservation ensured by CEDAW General Recommendation 39 is not overlooked and to prioritize meaningful engagement and consultation with Indigenous Women’s throughout the process.

This dialogue marks a significant step towards ensuring that Nepal's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework while honoring Indigenous knowledge and rights.