The world is facing unprecedented challenges from biodiversity loss and climate change, and one million species are at risk of extinction.
There is a way to protect the world’s biodiversity by listening to indigenous peoples and local communities who have sustainably managed biodiversity for millennia
The majority of the world’s most biodiverse areas are found within the ancestral lands of indigenous peoples and local communities; securing their rights to land would secure biodiversity
More than a quarter of the global land area is traditionally owned, managed, used, or occupied by indigenous peoples, and has been for millennia.

Press briefing: we will hold a press briefing on 23 September 2020 (0900 Montreal/1400
UK time, GMT+1). Please register here.
• The briefing will include speakers from UN Biodiversity, IPBES and Indigenous and local
community leaders.
• Panellists and experts will be available for interview (details below).
• The report is available here
Summary
• The world is facing unprecedented challenges from biodiversity loss and climate change, and one million species are at risk of extinction.
• There is a way to protect the world’s biodiversity by listening to indigenous peoples and local communities who have sustainably managed biodiversity for millennia
• The majority of the world’s most biodiverse areas are found within the ancestral lands of indigenous peoples and local communities; securing their rights to land would secure biodiversity
• More than a quarter of the global land area is traditionally owned, managed, used, or occupied by indigenous peoples, and has been for millennia.
This press kit contains:
• Media Release: Islands of nature – Biodiversity needs the voices and actions of indigenous peoples
• A list of speakers, including international experts and indigenous and local community representatives
• Annexe I: Background information for journalists
• Annexe II: Additional quotes available for use

You are invited to attend our press briefing, which is open to all: Register here

September 23rd, 2pm London (UTC+1): Register here

Ahead of the UN Summit on Biodiversity - aimed at accelerating action on biodiversity for sustainable development - this event will explore the vital contributions made by indigenous peoples and local communities to the protection of biodiversity.

The event will bring together experts from the UN and representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities who will discuss new research into these contributions, their importance, and what can be done to support them.

Panelists will be available for questions and interviews following the briefing.