Dear Community,

This coming week, the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) will participate in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The upcoming biodiversity negotiations of COP16 will take place in Cali, Colombia from October 21 to November 1. Unlike the UN Climate Change Conferences, these meetings occur biennially, making this a crucial opportunity to address the global biodiversity crisis. 

WECAN is honored to be advocating with a distinguished delegation of frontline and Indigenous women demanding world governments to take significant and transformative action for biodiversity protection, which also is essential for addressing the worsening climate crisis. 

COP16 will have three main areas of focus:  

• Adaptation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) into national action. 
• Mobilization and bolstering of implementation of the GBF
• Acceleration of access and benefit-sharing 

As part of our advocacy, WECAN will present policy interventions, on-the-ground biodiversity protection and climate justice projects, and system change frameworks. We will emphasize the root causes of interconnected crises and advocate for just solutions that foster a healthy and equitable world.

WECAN will be advocating at the UN CBD COP16 for:

• Durable biodiversity protection
• Gender-responsive implementation of the GBF in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
• An equitable fair, fast fossil fuel phaseout and the advancement of The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
• Government commitments to biodiversity finance
• Defending land defenders
• Denouncing biodiversity credits, carbon offsets, and false solutions

• The nexus of biodiversity and climate justice
• Indigenous rights and sovereignty
• Forest protection and restoration 
• A Just Transition
• Rights of Nature
• The Escazú Agreement
• Holding corporations and financial institutions accountable
• Uplifting community-led sustainable solutions for systemic change
• Feminist and beyond growth economics

Please continue on in this newsletter to meet the WECAN COP16 delegates and learn about upcoming WECAN actions and events—both in person and online— during COP16!

We also have updates about our advocacy at the UNFCCC COP29 in Baku in November, WECAN's NDC Climate Justice Recommendations, job announcements, and more!​

Please see below for a list of events that WECAN is organizing, co-hosting, or speaking at during COP16. Please continue to check our website for more speaker announcements in the next days!

To attend events in person you will need UN accreditation. Alternatively, some events will be shared online, please check our social media for more details. All events are listed in Cali, Colombia Time (COT), so please check your time zones to join us!

Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or check the WECAN website, to stay up to date with our CBD COP16 events and delegation!

Press Conference: Rights of Nature: A Systemic Solution to Protect Biodiversity

Tuesday, October 22, 11:00-11:30 AM (COT)

The Media Center, Blue Zone, CBD COP16 Cali, Colombia 

Rights of Nature articulates a legal framework and economy based on living in balance with Earth’s natural systems. Presenters will share successes from the Rights of Nature movement, and how it can offer a systemic framework for defending biodiversity, communities, and our climate. As one of the fastest growing environmental movements, Rights of Nature recognizes that Earth’s ecosystems have the right to exist and thrive while also uplifting human and Indigenous rights.  

​Confirmed Speakers:

• Casey Camp-Horinek, (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador and WECAN Board Member and Project Coordinator, Turtle Island/USA
• Patricia Gualinga, (Kichwa), Spokeswoman for Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva (Amazon Women in Defense of the Jungle), and WECAN Coordinator in Ecuador, Ecuador
• Natalia Greene, Global Director of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN), Member of GARN’s Executive Committee, and Secretary of the International Rights of Nature Tribunal, Ecuador
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) Founder and Executive Director, Turtle Island/USA

Press Conference: Indigenous Women from Brazil: Calls for Action to Protect Biodiversity, Indigenous Rights, and Climate

Thursday, October 24, 11:00 - 11:30 AM (COT)

The Media Center, Blue Zone, CBD COP16 Cali, Colombia

Indigenous women leaders from the Amazon and diverse biomes of Brazil will present their calls for biodiversity and climate action at COP16 and going forward through to the UNFCCC COP30. Additionally, there will be a presentation of an Indigenous women-led reforestation project in the Brazilian Amazon and the announcement of toolkits for the Escazú Agreement emphasizing the protection of women land defenders in Brazil.

Confirmed Speakers to date:

• Secretary Puyr Tembé (Tembé), Secretary of Indigenous Peoples of the State of Para, Brazil and Co-Founder of ANMIGA (Association of Ancestral Indigenous Women Warriors), Brazil
• Deputy Célia Xakriabá (Xakriabá), Federal Deputy in Brazilian Congress in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Co-Founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA), Brazil
• Representative from the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA), Brazil
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) Founder and Executive Director, Turtle Island/USA

Press Conference: Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Biodiversity and Climate Crises

Friday, October 25, 11:00 - 11:30 AM (COT)

The Media Center, Blue Zone, CBD COP16 Cali, Colombia 

Frontline and Indigenous women leaders and global advocates will present solutions and strategies to tackle the interlinked biodiversity and climate crises, emphasizing the importance of gender equity, food sovereignty, forest protection and reforestation, traditional ecological knowledge, Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), protection of environmental human rights defenders, and financing genuine solutions in the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Speakers from Nepal, Kenya and South and North America to be announced soon!

Women’s Hub Pavilion: Women on the Frontlines of the Biodiversity and Climate Crises: Challenges and Solutions

Saturday, October 26, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (COT)

The Women’s Pavilion, Blue Zone, CBD COP16

Women and gender-diverse leadership are essential for protecting biodiversity and global climate action! Please join us at this event to hear from frontline and Indigenous women leaders, policy advocates, and international environmental activists as they address the root causes of the interlocking biodiversity and climate crises. Panelists will uplift women-led solutions, approaches, and strategies to protect Indigenous and human rights and defend biodiversity and our global climate to ensure a livable planet for all generations. 

Confirmed speakers, with more to be announced:

• Deputy Célia Xakriabá (Xakriabá), Federal Deputy in Brazilian Congress in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and co-founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA), Brazil
• Julia Catalina Chumbi Tzetzema, Pastaza Shuar Center, FENASH (Federación de la Nacionalidad Shuar de Pastaza), and a Member of Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva, Ecuador
• Casey Camp-Horinek, (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador, and WECAN Board Member and Project Coordinator, Turtle Island/USA
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) Founder and Executive Director, Turtle Island/USA

WECAN x If Not Us Then Who: Protecting Nature, Defending Rights: Women’s Bold Leadership for Peace with Nature

Saturday, October 26, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (COT)

Casa de Mono, Cra. 25 # 5-112, 3 de Julio, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Our Village and E&C Pavilion 

Co-moderated by Nina Gualinga (Kichwa), Indigenous rights defender, Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva from Sarayaku, Ecuador

WECAN is partnering with If Not Us Then Who for a special evening event at the Our Village and E&C Pavilion for the UNCBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia. Join us for a powerful and inspiring evening as frontline and Indigenous women leaders and global advocates share the many frameworks, approaches, and solutions taking place worldwide regarding the significance of living in reciprocity and in peace with Nature. ​

Confirmed speakers, with more to be announced:

• Nina Gualinga (Kichwa), Indigenous Rights Defender, Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva, Sarayaku, Ecuador
• Shirley Krenak (Krenak), Founder of the Shirley Djukurna Krenak Institute, Co-founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA), Brazil
• Michelle Sisa Villamil Gualinga (Shiwiar and Kichwa), Shiwiars spokesperson, and a Member of Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva, Ecuador
• Deputy Célia Xakriabá (Xakriabá), Federal Deputy in Brazilian Congress in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Co-Founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA), Brazil
• Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador, and WECAN Board Member and Project Coordinator, Turtle Island/USA
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) Founder and Executive Director, Turtle Island/USA

Managing Biodiversity Impacts in a Biodiversity Crisis: Strengthening Risk Management, Indigenous Peoples Rights, and Affected Community Participation

Hosted by WECAN and FoE U.S.

This is a closed-door round table engagement with financial institutions. While this is a closed-door event, any financial institutions who are interested in joining, please contact Sophia Lovato at sophia@wecaninternational.org 

Session 1: Sustainable Pathways to Managing Biodiversity Risks and Impacts for Financial Institutions

Session 2: Roundtable Engagement with Impacted Communities and Financial Institutions

​

The roundtable sessions will provide participants with an opportunity to share and learn best practices in halting and reversing biodiversity loss and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as feature guest speakers from Indigenous and affected communities.

CASEY CAMP-HORINEK

Ponca Nation, Turtle Island, USA

Casey Camp-Horinek of the Ponca Nation is a community leader, long-time Native rights activist, environmentalist and actress. She is the Ponca Environmental Ambassador and a WECAN Board member. She has been at the forefront of grassroots community efforts to educate and empower both Native and non-Native community members on environmental and civil rights issues. 

PATRICIA GUALINGA

Kichwa Pueblo, Sarayaku, Ecuador

Patricia Gualinga is an Indigenous woman leader from the Kichwa Pueblo of Sarayaku, Ecuador, and spokeswoman for Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva where she advocates for the rights of women, Indigenous peoples, and land defenders to protect their homelands, the forest, and the global climate. To further her advocacy for land defenders' protections, Patricia sits on the WECAN steering committee for the Escazú Agreement campaign. Patricia is also an advocate for the Rights of Nature and the Kawsak Sacha (Living Forest) Declaration. Patricia is the WECAN Coordinator in Ecuador, where she leads endemic species recovery and reforestation work. 

NINA GUALINGA

Kichwa Pueblo, Sarayaku, Ecuador

Nina Sicha Siren Gualinga is an Indigenous woman leader from the Kichwa community of Sarayaku in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Since she was eight years old, she has been actively involved in local, national and global advocacy efforts in defense of Indigenous rights and territories in the Amazon and for climate justice. Nina is also an advocate for the Rights of Nature and the Kawsak Sacha (Living Forest) Declaration. She is also a co-founder of HAKU Amazon Design, working to support efforts of Shiwiar, Kichwa and Waorani women to defend their territories, through sustainable, hand-made designs.

JULIE HORINEK

Ponca Nation, Turtle Island, USA

Julie Horinek is an Indigenous woman from Ponca Nation of Oklahoma. She has a history of grassroots, environmental activism. As a WECAN Coordinator, she helps lead climate resiliency solutions and food sovereignty. She is also a Plains Organizer for Movement Rights and activist for the Rights of Nature movement. 

SHIRLEY KRENAK

Krenak, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Shirley Krenak is an Indigenous woman leader of the Krenak people from Brazil. With an extensive history in activism, she advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples and the land. She is a co-founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestry (ANMIGA) and Coordinator for the Shirley Djukurnã Krenak Institute which promotes Indigenous culture through education. 

NYG KUITÁ KAINGANG 

Kaingang, Apucaraninha Indigenous Land, Brazil

Nyg Kuita is an Indigenous woman leader and researcher of the Kaingang people from Paraná, Brazil. She is a co-founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestry (ANMIGA) and a collaborator with Brazil’s Indigenous People Articulation (APIB). 

SABINE BOUCHAT

Sarayaku, Ecuador

Sabine Bouchat, originally from Belgium, has lived in Sarayaku, Ecuador for over 35 years. She has worked extensively with the Indigenous peoples of Pastaza, supporting bilingual education, community governance, and environmental conservation efforts. Currently, Sabine leads the Kawsak Sacha-Selva Viviente conservation program and is WECAN’s Ecuador Reforestation Program Lead Monitor. Her work strengthens local governance and promotes the protection of Sarayaku’s territories and cultural heritage.

ANDREA CUJI MANCILLA

Kichwa, Sarayaku, Ecuador 

Andrea Cuji Mancilla has been involved in advocating for children’s and Indigenous peoples’ rights from a young age, focusing on the protection of territory. She is a student of social communication and serves as the secretary for the Kichwa Native people of Sarayaku, coordinating efforts to defend rights and promote the well-being of her community. Andrea also provides organizational support for the Jallinga Foundation and the Amazonian Women Defenders of the Jungle collective. Photo coming soon!

OSPREY ORIELLE LAKE

USA

Osprey Orielle Lake is the Founder and Executive Director of the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International. She works nationally and internationally with grassroots and Indigenous leaders, policy-makers and scientists to promote climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition to a clean energy future. 

SOPHIA LOVATO

Osage Nation, Turtle Island, USA

Sophia Lovato is the Forest and Food Sovereignty Program Associate for the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN). She was born and raised in Colorado and is a citizen of the Osage Nation. With her dedication to environmental justice, Sophia focuses on forest protection and food sovereignty as key solutions in building climate, biodiversity, and communal resiliency.  

Building upon years of engagement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate negotiations process, the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network will be traveling to the upcoming UN climate negotiations COP29 from November 11 - 22. We are honored to be advocating with an outstanding Frontline and Indigenous Women's Delegation to demand world governments take bold and transformative action for climate justice.

As part of our advocacy, WECAN will be presenting policy interventions, on the ground climate justice projects, reports, systemic change frameworks and strategies to draw attention to the root causes of multiple interlocking crises, as we call for just solutions to shape a healthy and equitable world. Look for an upcoming newsletter with more details about WECAN's advocacy at COP29 and check out our website here: https://www.wecaninternational.org/cop29

During Climate Week and the UN General Assembly, WECAN released, "Climate Justice Recommendations for Nationally Determined Contributions: Guidance for a Healthy and Equitable Future for People and Planet," a set of climate justice recommendations and guidance for governments to consider for their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due in early 2025. The recommendations urge governments to implement gender-responsive climate policies, catalyze women’s leadership, uphold Indigenous rights, protect biodiversity, phase out fossil fuels, and advance a Just Transition.

Read the full policy brief here: https://www.wecaninternational.org/ndc-recommendations

As a part of our Climate Week advocacy, WECAN Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake shared the "Climate Justice Recommendations for Nationally Determined Contributions" with Bolivian Senator, Cecilia Isabel Requena Zárate (pictured), and other parliamentarians and government representatives. 

The brief is also featured in the "Whole-of Society rallies to support strong National Climate Plans report," published by the UN Climate Change High-level Climate Champions, Honorable Nigar Arpadarai and Razan Al Mubarak. The Report showcases the support and insights from businesses, investors, cities, and civil society to help shape and implement high-quality climate plans aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C target.

WECAN is currently accepting applications for two positions. Please find more information below and apply today!

COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

WECAN is seeking a long-term Communications Associate to join our dynamic team working for climate justice, systemic change, and women’s and feminist leadership in global climate solutions. With the guidance of WECAN’s Communications Coordinator, the Communications Associate will work remotely to contribute to storytelling and advocacy on WECAN’s social media platforms, videos, and news articles, in addition to supporting overall communications strategies.

Apply by November 6 and learn more here.

EVENT PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

WECAN is seeking a part-time Event Production Coordinator in a contracted position to develop and execute WECAN’s upcoming Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice, a public forum to take place virtually in June 2025.

The Event Production Coordinator will work remotely under the guidance of WECAN’s executive director and with the support of WECAN staff to develop, produce, and implement technical production for the assembly. With the guidance of the WECAN Executive Director and Program Associate, the Coordinator will lead panel mapping and Zoom production. This role requires a flexible, creative, and strategic thinker who can manage multiple tasks, envision ideas, conduct thorough research across a broad range of topics focusing on cross-sectional climate justice themes, present findings, and has virtual production experience and Zoom expertise. Additional responsibilities include supporting and conducting speaker outreach, writing, and other administrative duties. 

Apply by November 8 and learn more here.

Please consider supporting WECAN as we continue to uplift the leadership and solutions of women worldwide fighting for climate justice and the defense of the planet for current and future generations.