While climate change will center around carbon markets and technological and investment solutions, the CBD COP16 made clear emphasis on the central role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the implementation of the Kunming Montreal Biodiversity Framework. 

By Reynaldo A. Morales, PhD

By CS Staff

The year 2024 is unique in that the last three months of the year are occupied by Conferences of the Parties of three UN Conventions:

Cultural Survival's community includes people from all walks of life, with beautiful stories to tell of your own about why you decided to become an advocate for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Sharing these stories further connects our community, provides much-needed solidarity and validation to our staff and partners on the ground, and helps us inspire others to join our movement. We are excited to spotlight members of our community and highlight your contributions and perspectives through our Cultural Survival Member Spotlight series. 

Like many of you, as Indigenous people and allies, we are feeling unsettled, uncertain, and concerned about the future of the United States and the world under another Trump administration. We know what he has promised to do, and we are worried about our families, our loved ones, and our communities of human and other-than-human kin. What will the impact of another four years under his administration be for those living in the U.S., for those affected by our powerful foreign policy influence, and for Mother Earth?

November 11, 2024 
Baku, Azerbaijan 

Respectful Greetings, 

2024 has been the hottest year in recorded history, surpassing 1.5 degrees, and causing devastating  physical and spiritual losses and damages in our homelands. States have failed to take necessary  action to phase out fossil fuels and implement a Just Transition to sustainable, non-carbon-based  energy sources.