Cali, Colombia – October 31, 2024 

Action for Ecology and People’s Emancipation (AEER), together with Forest Watch Indonesia, the SIRGE Coalition, and the Rainforest Foundation Norway, held a public presentation at COP 16 UNCBD in Cali, Colombia. The presentation highlighted the impacts of the energy transition, which relies on critical minerals, on biodiversity and indigenous rights.  

Five key points were discussed during the event. First, market demand for critical minerals is expected to rise as global efforts to transition to green energy continue. However, this demand has significant consequences, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the displacement of indigenous communities in several countries, including Indonesia.  

Second, the energy transition should not come at the expense of the environment and local communities. Responsible mining practices must ensure the protection of biodiversity protection and respect for indigenous peoples and local communities through an effective and targeted free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) mechanism.  

Third, Forest Watch Indonesia has investigated the environmental impact of nickel mining operations in Maluku and West Papua, Indonesia. Meanwhile, AEER has studied the social impacts of nickel mining operations that use coal as a power source for nickel processing industries. The findings from both organizations indicate negative consequences resulting from these these mining and processing activities.  

Fourth, the SIRGE Coalition has released a statement and report on the energy transition and its effects on indigenous communities. The report highlights that indigenous peoples are among the most affected by critical mineral mining activities.  

Fifth, the Rainforest Foundation Norway calleds for a responsible supply chain for critical minerals, ensuring clear timelines for reducing deforestation while respecting Iindigenous and local communities through an effective and targeted FPIC mechanism.