In January 2026, researchers from the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (HUN-REN CER), including CO-OP4CBD partners Kinga Öllerer, András Báldi and Zsolt Molnár, published a study on the progress in respecting the role of traditional knowledge holders in biodiversity governance.

Titled “Global overview of progress in respecting the contributions of traditional knowledge in biodiversity governance”, this paper explores the role of indigenous peoples and local communities (IP&LCs) and other traditional knowledge (TK) holders in formal biodiversity governance. 

Based on two of the most recent national reports (NR5 and NR6), this analysis shows that governments acknowledge the role of indigenous peoples and local communities (IP&LCs) in biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use. However, these groups are rarely involved in the decision-making processes related to biodiversity. 

In that context, this study highlights that achieving the global biodiversity goals depends on fully recognising, respecting, and supporting the traditional knowledge and practices as well as on involving their knowledge holders in the implementation processes. 

Read this study here.