Abstract: This article explores the persistent barriers to indigenous and local participation in international conservation institutions, particularly within the framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Despite the increasing acknowledgment of indigenous contributions to global environmental governance, the current system, dominated by state sovereignty, continues to marginalize these communities. The article examines the historical and ongoing challenges indigenous peoples face in achieving "full and effective participation" in biodiversity governance. It highlights how state-centric principles of sovereignty and knowledge production create structural barriers that limit indigenous involvement. By analyzing the intersection of political, discursive, and legal obstacles, the authors argue that true indigenous participation in global environmental governance requires a fundamental rethinking of sovereignty and inclusion practices. The research draws on archival documents, elite interviews, and case studies to illustrate the gaps between international commitments and the lived realities of indigenous peoples, proposing a reevaluation of international governance structures to better accommodate indigenous perspectives and rights.
Fuentes-George, K., & Juarez-Serna, I. M. "Observers or Participants?: Post-Colonial Barriers between International Conservation Institutions and Indigenous and Local Participation." Published in Environmental Politics Journal: Special Issue.
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