Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders

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The international community is grappling with an unprecedented loss of biological diversity—a crisis that directly impacts both biodiversity and human rights. The degradation of biodiversity significantly impairs the ability of all people, particularly Indigenous Peoples and communities dependent on natural ecosystems, to enjoy their human rights. States are the primary duty-bearers under international human rights law; however, private conservation organizations and funders are crucial in driving conservation efforts and promoting a human rights-based approach. Despite their significance, acommon understanding of their human rights responsibilities has been largely lacking. To bridge this gap, UNEP is introducing the ten Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders. These principles guide private actors toward a human rights-based approach to conservation, fostering more inclusive and equitable practices that protect and promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples and others in conservation. The Principles also provide general guidance for all stakeholders on how to center human rights in conservation efforts and contribute to achieving the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) through a rights-based approach.