COP16 ends with historic recognition of indigenous, Afro-descendant communities

CALI, Colombia, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) wrapped up here early Saturday with a landmark acknowledgment of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities' essential role in protecting biodiversity.

After two weeks of discussions, the final session of COP16 approved a work plan to permanently incorporate Indigenous and local