IPLP joins CBD negotiations in Panama: SBSTTA-27 and the first meeting of SB8J

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IPLP joins CBD negotiations in Panama: SBSTTA-27 and the first meeting of SB8J The Indigenous Rights & Protected Areas Initiative at the University of Arizona’s Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program (IPLP) is participating in two Convention on Biologi

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IPLP joins CBD negotiations in Panama: SBSTTA-27 and the first meeting of SB8J
The Indigenous Rights & Protected Areas Initiative at the University of Arizona’s Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program (IPLP) is participating in two  Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) meetings in Panama City: SBSTTA-27 (20–24 October 2025) and the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions (SB8J-1) (27–30 October 2025).
What’s on the table at SBSTTA-27
SBSTTA is the CBD’s science and technical advisory body. In Panama it will advance recommendations to implement the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), including guidance on monitoring and reporting, and cross-cutting items on biodiversity & agriculture, biodiversity & climate change,  biodiversity & health, and forest biodiversity.
  • Monitoring & reporting for the KMGBF. Negotiators will refine guidance to track countries’ progress and strengthen delivery across sectors.
  • Rights-based implementation. IPLP contributed to the Human Rights & Biodiversity Working Group “Key Asks for SBSTTA-27,” which call for embedding human rights—especially the rights of Indigenous Peoples—throughout KMGBF implementation and monitoring. https://swed.bio/news/sbstta-27-key-asks-of-the-human-rights-and-biodiv…
What is SB8J?
SB8J is a new, permanent subsidiary body focused on Article 8(j)—respecting, preserving, and maintaining Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ traditional knowledge—and related provisions across the Convention and its Protocols. Established by COP-16, SB8J holds its first meeting in Panama on 27–30 October 2025. It replaces the former ad hoc Working Group on Article 8(j), elevating these issues within CBD decision-making.
Why SB8J-1 matters
This first session is pivotal because Parties will discuss and finalize the modus operandi—in plain terms, how SB8J will operate. These rules will directly shape whether Indigenous Peoples can participate effectively and on an equal footing in future CBD negotiations and policy development.
IPLP underscores that Indigenous Peoples are distinct rights-holders (sui generis) in international law, and that SB8J’s design is a unique opportunity to operationalize self-determination and effective participation through Indigenous Peoples’ own institutions and decision-making processes. It is particularly important to guarantee the full and effective participation of Indigenous women and girls, given their central role in developing, preserving, and transmitting Indigenous scientific and technical knowledge. For further context, see the 2022 report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples on Indigenous women and scientific and technical knowledge A/HRC/51/28. This direction aligns with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including Article 18 on participation in decision-making.
Other key issues expected at SB8J-1
  • Guidelines to strengthen legal and policy frameworks for KMGBF implementation to 2030.
  • Resource mobilization and access to funding (including direct access) for Indigenous Peoples —women and youth included—to support KMGBF implementation.
  • Advice on traditional knowledge for the global report on collective progress in KMGBF implementation.
  • Consideration of recommendations from the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Follow the meetings

 

Contacts

Elisa Marchi, PhD Pronouns: she, her, hers, ella, elle, lei Program Manager | Indigenous Rights & Protected Areas Initiative Professor of Practice | James E. Rogers College of Law Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program Affiliated Faculty |
elisamarchi@email.arizona.edu