UN COP16 nature summit creates permanent body for Indigenous peoples

CALI, Colombia (Reuters) – Countries at the U.N. COP16 summit on nature in Cali, Colombia, on Friday approved a measure to create a permanent body for Indigenous peoples to consult on United Nations decisions on nature conservation.

The consultative body is considered a breakthrough in recognizing the role that Indigenous peoples play in conserving nature globally, including some of the most biodiverse areas of the planet, according to Indigenous and environmental advocates.

(Reporting by Jake Spring and Oliver Griffin)