From 9-12 July in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is holding a workshop for representatives of Indigenous peoples and local communities from Asia and the Pacific in preparation for the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP11). The provisional agenda includes an introduction to the CBD and mechanisms for participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities; Articles 8(j) and 10(c); the 2011-2020 Strategic Plan and Aichi Biodiversity Targets; the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing; and preparatory discussions for COP11 in October.

The workshop is co-hosted by the Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education (TEBTEBBA) and the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact. Holly Shrumm (Natural Justice) is attending the meeting as a resource person, particularly on community protocols.