ICTA-UAB highlights collaborative research in the Amazon at the Biodiversity COP17

Doctoral researcher Karla Ramírez participated in the international gathering as an observer, serving as a delegate for the Native Federation of the Madre de Dios River and Tributaries (FENAMAD) -an Indigenous organization from Peru- and as a member of the Academic and Research caucus.

After two weeks of extensive global negotiations structured around 23 thematic areas -such as biodiversity finance, the expansion of protected areas, and the integration of local knowledge- ICTA-UAB’s presence aimed to highlight the role of collaborative academic research in environmental decision-making. To this end, and as part of the COP17 side events, Karla Ramírez co-organized an international panel discussion alongside FENAMAD focused on the relationship between scientific research and Indigenous territorial governance. The event connected the findings of Ramírez’s doctoral research with the work of Indigenous leadership in Peru.

During the session, panelists reviewed the historical trajectory of partnerships between the scientific community and Indigenous peoples across the Amazon Basin, analyzing current collaborative dynamics and outlining future conservation research agendas. "We identified a clear international demand to understand the most ethical pathways for collaboration between academia and Indigenous Peoples, and how this cooperation translates into effective policy decisions," noted Karla Ramírez, recalling that this ongoing dialogue "requires support structures to become fully operational on the ground."

Reflecting on her experience, Ramírez highlighted that negotiations were complex and challenging due to limited time and persistent political tensions over issues such as human rights, equity, justice, and the role of scientific evidence. In contrast to state negotiation strategies, the side event allowed observers and researchers to underscore key actions. They showcased evidence of Indigenous Peoples' conservation achievements, their capacity to manage direct funding, and their own medium- and long-term data systems for monitoring territorial threats, reaffirming the vital role of pluralistic science in driving urgent policy decisions.

COP17 concluded with multilateral agreements, including the adoption of the Modus Operandi for the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j), a mechanism that institutionalizes the permanent participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in global biodiversity decision-making. However, Ramírez emphasized that "despite this international regulatory breakthrough, the primary challenge remains ensuring that these agreements are effectively implemented at the local level."

Additionally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched the inaugural Primary Forest Ambassadors award. Among the five global honorees were two Amazonian leaders: Julio Cusurichi (Shipibo-Conibo people, historically affiliated with FENAMAD and AIDESEP in Peru) and Puyr dos Santos Tembé (Tembé people, Brazil), recognized for their advocacy in territorial defense. Through this participation, ICTA-UAB reaffirms the value of participatory research and pluralistic science in supporting environmental governance to address the global biodiversity crisis.