The signing of the Goma Declaration was a result of the first sub-regional assembly for territories and areas conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities (ICCAs) in Central Africa held in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo from 7-9 March 2022. Focusing on two types of Protected Areas, specifically ICCAs (also known as ‘Territories of Life’) and ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs), the assembly brought together 75 participants from 7 countries to develop a common advocacy commitment for the recognition, security, and enhancement of ICCAs and OECMs and to position their contributions to the sustainable biodiversity conservation in Central Africa. The declaration outlines the commitments made by multi-level stakeholders and their synergized efforts to promote biodiversity conservation in ICCAs and OECMs.