<
https://grist.org/indigenous/indigenous-cultural-practices-are-a-climate-solution-report-finds/>
"As the impacts of climate change continue to escalate, a growing number of
climate scientists and policymakers cite Indigenous lands as a model for their
rich biodiversity and effective carbon storage. But that recognition has not
always translated into space for Indigenous leaders in climate negotiations,
access to climate resilience funding, or enforcement of human rights standards.
That has been the case for decades. But the problems do not stop there. New
research shows that approach overlooks the key role that Indigenous knowledge
and culture can play in mitigating climate change. It also reveals a dangerous
misconception that has taken hold in global climate discussions: the idea that
Indigenous lands are so rich because they are remote or sparsely populated.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The health of Indigenous lands and
their ability to store vast quantities of carbon stem from the stewardship of
the people who inhabit them.
That’s the finding of research from Conservation International, which shows
that traditional knowledge, community protocol, and Indigenous culture play a
direct role in protecting forests, wildlife, and the environment. Sushma
Shrestha, who is Indigenous Newar from Nepal and the study’s lead author, said
the research comes at a critical time.
“All of humanity relies on everything that Indigenous peoples have to
contribute and offer in terms of their lands, in terms of carbon storage, in
terms of biodiversity conservation,” she said.
The study, released as a narrative report and a peer-reviewed study, explores
how Indigenous knowledge and practices benefit the planet. It also found that
all 43 of the surveyed communities are experiencing drought, extreme weather,
and other adverse impacts from climate change. More than half are affected by
extractive industries like mining and logging.
Researchers interviewed 49 Indigenous leaders from six continents about how
they steward their land, which ranged from the Amazon rainforest to East
African savannas and Pacific Islands. They found that traditional management
practices like avoiding overfishing, maintaining sacred spaces, watching for
fires and other threats, and direct resistance against extraction contribute to
the remarkable health of Indigenous territory. Ninety-six percent of
respondents said they had land set aside for special uses, like spiritual
practices, that also benefit the environment by protecting those spaces and
ecosystems. Shrestha stressed that although each Indigenous community is
distinct, there are shared lessons the entire world can learn from."
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
