Black and Indigenous Liberation Movement (BILM) has been on a long journey filled with victories, challenges, and an unwavering commitment to defending our lands, cultures, and future. As we move from COP16 in Cali to COP29 in Baku, our voices grow louder, our demands clearer, and our resolve stronger.
Victory at COP16: A Step Toward Justice.
At COP16, we achieved a historic milestone: the recognition of Article 8J, which called on the world to respect, preserve, and protect our ancestral knowledge. This wasn't just a policy win—it was a validation of what we have always known:
🌿 Our ways of living and protecting the Earth are essential for maintaining biodiversity.
🌿 Our knowledge is not just history but the key to a sustainable future.
🌿 Our voices deserve a seat at the table where decisions about the planet's future are made.
This victory gave us hope. It reminded us that the world cannot ignore us when we stand united and speak with one voice. But it also reminded us of the work that still lies ahead.
COP29: Demanding Climate Financing That Works for Us.
As we prepare for COP29 in Baku, we bring a simple but powerful demand: climate financing that genuinely matters. We know what our communities need. We know how to protect our forests, rivers, and mountains. We need the support to do it—on our terms, respecting our autonomy.
💰 Why is this financing so critical?
For generations, we have safeguarded the planet's most biodiverse territories. Our work has benefited the entire world, yet we are the ones who face the most significant consequences of extractivism, deforestation, and climate change. While wealthy nations debate their commitments, our communities are left to fight for survival with little to no resources.
We demand climate financing that is:
🌿Direct: Funds should go straight to our communities, not get lost in bureaucratic systems.
🌿Transparent: We must know where the money comes from and how it's used.
🌿Adequate: Financing must match the scale of the challenges we face.
Our message at COP16 and COP29 remained the same: There can be no solution to the climate crisis without our people.
🌍 We are the guardians of the Earth, yet we are the most impacted by its destruction.
🌍 We know the practices and the sustainable solutions the world needs.
🌍 We are not just victims of climate change; we are leaders in the fight against it.
Our presence at COP29 is not just symbolic—it's essential. We are here to remind the world that we protect the forests, rivers, and mountains they depend on. We will not stop fighting until our rights, territories, and contributions are fully recognized.
The time for action is now—because there is no climate justice without Black and Indigenous liberation. 💚🌎
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