COP16
Hosting a 4-day program in collaboration with Our Village and the Climate and Entertainment Pavilion, bringing a dynamic mix of talks, rituals, films, photo exhibits, and cultural showcases to the heart of Cali’s cultural action. This program bridges the gap between political discussions on biodiversity and ground-level solutions, sparking ideas for the future while inviting decision-makers to commit to centering frontline voices in these crucial conversations. Join us and register for the general admission events!
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22nd of October and the 1st of November 2024
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Casa de Mono – Carrera 25 # 5 – 112 Santiago de Cali, 760042 Colombia
What’s at stake for IP&LCs and Afro-descendant communities for the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference?
The UN Conference on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Cali is a key moment of action for advancing the Global Biodiversity Framework. Building on the Kunming-Montreal agreement, COP 16 will require countries to establish and showcase their national frameworks and progress since 2022. As one of the few climate events hosted in Latin America in 2024, Cali, a biodiversity hotspot, stands at the crossroads of critical movements around race, gender, social, and climate justice. Hosting COP 16 in Colombia is particularly significant, as it is the world’s third most biodiverse country, but much of its biodiversity remains unprotected or threatened by climate change.
What’s at stake for these communities is their ability to secure formal protections for their territories, prevent further environmental degradation, and ensure their role as environmental stewards is recognized and integrated into global biodiversity goals. Failure to achieve these outcomes could jeopardize the future of their lands, cultures, and livelihoods.
Given this context, COP 16 is a pivotal opportunity for us to open a space like ‘Our Village’, engage with Indigenous and Afro-descendant multimedia crew to collaborate, showcase and amplify Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities (IP&LCs), and Afro-descendant leadership to influence biodiversity policies. At Our Village, it is a chance to partner with intersectional movements, elevate their voices in discussions with decision-makers, and work towards meaningful change.
Celebrating Our Village’s 10th Anniversary
Since 2014, our events have asked questions rooted in our passion for healing the earth. We believe that healing the planet begins with healing people, which is why our focus is on climate justice, racial justice, land stewardship, and seeking solutions through open dialogue. As Paul Redman, Founder and Executive Director of If Not Us Then Who, says:
“Our Village is here to spark new ideas and collaborations in true partnership, inspired by Indigenous wisdom. Please join us to celebrate our journey and dream of an abundant planet.” – Paul Redman, Founder of If Not Us Then Who
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Our Village, we are proud to partner with the Entertainment Culture Pavilion, along with Festival FINCALI, Planet On, and Sauntr Media, to invite you to the upcoming “Our Village E+C pavilion (Pabellón de E+C Nuestra Aldea). As part of this experiential gathering, we are also uniting and building strong communications alliances with Indigenous and Afro-descendant communicators through the initiative Amplifying IP&LCs and Afro-Descendant Voices at COP16. This effort aims to showcase unique stories from the ground, collaborate with intersectional movements, and connect Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and Afro leadership with decision-makers at this pivotal event.
Our Village on the Road
From October 23rd to 26th, Our Village will bring climate action to the streets. To bridge the gap between the Blue Zone and the city center, we’re transforming 3-4 traditional Colombian “buses into mobile venues. These buses will travel between the Blue Zone and Casa del Mono, hosting sessions, film screenings, calls to action, and cultural events. This initiative connects official negotiations with the public, turning each trip into a powerful experience for all involved.
Bienvenidos a Nuestra Aldea – Our Village Programming
We have a lineup featuring over 55 events and over 100 speakers. Join us and register for the following general admission events!
The program includes talks by local movements and key decision-makers: GATC, CRIC, Lila Mujer, IIFB, Nia Tero, Corporación Magenta, Ministry of Environment, PCN, Ministry of Equity, Peace negotiators, IP and LC filmmakers, The Tenure Facility, CLUA, Ford Foundation, ANMIGA, Indigenous Caucus
Opening Ceremony: A Tribute To Storytelling
Tuesday, October 22nd
We are delighted to invite you to the Opening Ceremony of the Our Village and Entertainment + Culture Pavilion, held during the COP16 UN Biodiversity Summit. Join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Our Village and the launch of this year’s programming in collaboration with an array of local, national, and international partners. Be part of a special moment where culture, biodiversity, and community come together to kick off four days of impactful events and discussions. Featuring Musical Performances by Eric Terena, Agrupación Agojie de Mude.
Doors open at 6pm and program starts at 6:30pm Fundación Casa de Mono: Cra. 25 # 5-112, 3 de Julio, Cali, Valle del Cauca
Day 1: Intergenerational Action & Wisdom
Wednesday, October 23rd
The connection between ancestral knowledge and today’s technology, the creation of dialogues with the youth and bringing the voices of elders and ancestors to learn from their wisdom, to land it in today’s needs and emergencies
Day 2: Peace with Nature
Thursday, October 24th
COP16 is framed as the COP of the people and the COP of “Peace with nature”. We will bring guests from the negotiations and key stakeholders from the territories to discuss what this means and what its implications are for biodiversity and climate justice.
Day 3: Gender & Intersectional Environmentalism
Friday, October 25th
The role of women, two spirits, and the LGBTQIA+ community in actions to preserve biodiversity is fundamental across regions. We will bring to the table initiatives by Congresswomen, representatives of IP and LC organizations, Afro-descendant women from the Pacific, and more.
Day 4: From Cali to Belem; Road to COP30
Saturday, October 26th
The synergies between biodiversity and climate action are leading us to COP30 in Belem, 2026. We will make this day a series of networking sessions to brainstorm for COP30 actions and incredible panels and music with upcoming movements that are protecting the lands and coming to Belem with proposals for a brighter future.
Featured Indigenous, Local, and Afro Creatives
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Nove Niryanti Usun
Indigenous Filmmaker
Dayak Bahau | Indonesia
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Priscila Tapajowara
Indigenous & Climate Activist, Photographer
Tapajó I Brazil
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David Hernandez Palmar
Ambassador & Emerging Filmmakers Program Coordinator
Wayuu I Colombia/Venezuela
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Ana Maria Jessie Serna
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Elio Cunampio
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Génesis Gutiérrez
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Jimmy Piaguaje
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Kamikia Kisedje
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Kuyu Saul Lopez
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Laura Ríos
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Peregrino Chaeta
Indigenous Leader, Storyteller, Filmmaker
Ese Eja I Peru
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Nura Batara Sombolinggi
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Sani Montahuano Ushigua
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Tirza Yanira Ixmucané
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Yurshell Rodríguez