To: Member States of the United Nations, Indigenous Peoples and their representative institutions, UN Secretariat, civil-society and relevant stakeholders
Dear colleagues,
The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) is pleased to present the enclosed policy brief on operationalizing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in BBNJ governance. This document reflects our commitment to advancing the rights, leadership, and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
IITC is an international Indigenous Peoples’ organization with General Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). We represent Indigenous Peoples from North, Central,
and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, and work to uphold their sovereignty, self-determination, Treaty rights, and human rights through active engagement in international policy
Processes.
IITC sponsors this policy brief which was developed through a broad and inclusive consultation process initiated on February 2, 2025, and finalized on March 28, 2025. Indigenous Peoples from across multiple
regions participated through live Zoom consultations and written submissions. This inclusive and self-determined process was grounded in Indigenous governance systems and knowledge, ensuring that
the priorities presented here are both representative and rooted in lived realities.
States, Indigenous Peoples, and civil-society are welcome and encouraged to consult this brief as a tool to support the development of inclusive and rights-affirming governance mechanisms under the BBNJ
Agreement. We are convinced it will serve as a constructive contribution to ongoing deliberations and as a resource for implementing the commitments made under international law, including the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
We look forward to continued dialogue and partnership to ensure the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Andrea Carmen
Executive Director
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Policy brief on operationalizing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in BBNJ governance
To: Member States of the United Nations, Indigenous Peoples and their representative institutions, UN Secretariat, civil-society and relevant stakeholders
Dear colleagues,
The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) is pleased to present the enclosed policy brief on operationalizing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in BBNJ governance. This document reflects our commitment to advancing the rights, leadership, and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
IITC is an international Indigenous Peoples’ organization with General Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). We represent Indigenous Peoples from North, Central,
and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, and work to uphold their sovereignty, self-determination, Treaty rights, and human rights through active engagement in international policy
Processes.
IITC sponsors this policy brief which was developed through a broad and inclusive consultation process initiated on February 2, 2025, and finalized on March 28, 2025. Indigenous Peoples from across multiple
regions participated through live Zoom consultations and written submissions. This inclusive and self-determined process was grounded in Indigenous governance systems and knowledge, ensuring that
the priorities presented here are both representative and rooted in lived realities.
States, Indigenous Peoples, and civil-society are welcome and encouraged to consult this brief as a tool to support the development of inclusive and rights-affirming governance mechanisms under the BBNJ
Agreement. We are convinced it will serve as a constructive contribution to ongoing deliberations and as a resource for implementing the commitments made under international law, including the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
We look forward to continued dialogue and partnership to ensure the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Andrea Carmen
Executive Director