Work Ahead of COP31 Begins. Daria and Natalia Remain Imprisoned.
Indigenous Peoples’ representatives are gathering in Antalya before the formal opening of the UN Climate Change Conference COP31. As this work begins, Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt remain detained in Russia, unable to take part in the international processes they supported for many years.
Work Begins Before the Summit Opens
The 16th meeting of the Facilitative Working Group of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) is scheduled for 3–5 November. COP31 itself will take place in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026.
As Indigenous Russia reported on 2 November, the early meetings place Indigenous knowledge, community experience and participation on the agenda before the main conference opens. The platform’s work concerns how those perspectives can inform climate action and decisions.
Participation Is More Than a Speech
Participation in the climate process begins long before anyone speaks from a podium. It involves preparing shared positions, exchanging knowledge and working between communities every day. Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt helped sustain this work for many years. Now, as Indigenous representatives gather in Antalya, both remain imprisoned in Russia.
Daria, a Selkup Indigenous rights defender and Co-Chair of the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC), helped bring Indigenous perspectives into international climate negotiations. Natalia’s practical and organisational work helped Indigenous representatives participate in international processes.
In June, the IIPFCC decided to retain Daria as a third co-chair until her unconditional release. Our review of EnviroNews Nigeria’s reporting from Bonn recalls that decision and the international solidarity surrounding it.
Independent Voices Must Be Able to Participate
Expanding participation mechanisms is necessary. But participation must also be possible for people who hold independent views. Their absence cannot be compensated for by the number of events or the presence of official delegations.
The value of Indigenous participation lies in communities being able to express their own priorities, including positions that governments may find uncomfortable. Meaningful participation requires the freedom to speak, organise and cooperate without fear of persecution.
With the biodiversity conference COP17 in Yerevan now over, attention turns to the climate negotiations in Antalya. For our solidarity campaign, this transition is another reason to keep Daria and Natalia’s names visible—and to call for their freedom.
Revisit Daria’s contribution from COP25 to COP31, including an archival video about Indigenous knowledge and women’s lives. To take action, see how to support Daria and Natalia wherever you are.
Reporting and programme: Indigenous Russia; LCIPP working-group meeting; UNFCCC COP31.
Comments