Jeffrey Robert Wall

This report will demonstrate that no meaningful (non-random) compatibility exists between the Key Biodiversity Area proposal process – as it now exists and is being implemented globally and in Canada – and the biocultural priorities of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LC’s)*. It is precisely because it is a global standard that no claim that KBA proposal meaningfully (non-randomly) reflects the values of IP&LC's can be sustained. This larger conclusion will be demonstrated using a structural and a conceptual evaluation of the KBA programme, followed by a desktop review of KBA proposal in the case region of Mi'kma'ki, the traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq People known in the English as Nova Scotia. This report will establish the general argument that the KBA programme's established and currently-operating structure allows no meaningful (non-random) compatibilities between itself and IP&LC environmental priorities. This remains true in spite of the fact that the KBA Canada Coalition currently holds institutional affiliation with numerous agencies and consortiums which do legitimately engage with IP&LC environmental priorities. This structural argument will be buttressed by a conceptual review exercise of the KBA programme and the aforementioned case application. A thought-experiment will help to further clarify the pertinent dynamics and refute common arguments in favor of a natural or automatic alignment between the KBA programme and IP&LC environmental values. Finally, results will be presented from a desktop evaluation of the compatibilities of the KBA delineation process in Mi'kma'ki and known environmental priorities of Mi'kmaq communities in the area. Findings from all exercises verify the structural and conceptual incongruities identified above and establish that no meaningful (non-random) compatibility should be expected between the KBA programme and IP&LC priorities. In summary, this report finds that there should be no confusion or uncertainty as to whether the Global KBA Standard or its implementation in Canada enjoy meaningful compatibility with IP&LC environmental priorities, such as those held by the Mi'kmaq in Mi'kma'ki: they do not. This report will conclude with structural recommendations for communications and companion programming for KBA implementing parties.

*Though the IP&LC term is suitably flexible to capture the dynamics touched on by the KBA program’s global origins and implementation, this report recognizes that Indigenous Peoples of Canada have inherent and constitutional rights that are distinct from those of local communities.