Representatives of Indigenous peoples, many in traditional dress and headgear, broke out in cheers and chants as 196 countries agreed on a “subsidiary body” dedicated to “matters of relevance to Indigenous peoples and local communities.”

It was the first major breakthrough for the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the UN’s Convention on Biodiversity

“This is an unprecedented moment in the history of multilateral agreements on the environment,” an overjoyed Camila Romero, an Indigenous representative from Chile

“Parties have recognized the constant need for our full and effective participation, our knowledge and innovations, technology and traditional practices,” she added.