The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represents a key step toward a more sustainable future. The SDGs were launched by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 with the purpose of achieving 17 goals by 2030, which includes combating climate change and biodiversity loss.
The SDGs framework will be key in the coming months, where people will come together at Stockholm+50 to commemorate Stockholm 1972. This meeting will allow people from all regions and communities to participate in the effort to conserve the environment and build a sustainable approach to environmental preservation. In this blog I would like to highlight the importance of Indigenous Knowledge and why it should be taken into account at Stockholm+50.
Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainability
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is the traditional and cultural transfer, from generation to generation , of information and beliefs about the co-existence between the environment and all beings. TEK from indigenous practices is often associated with environmental sustainability. It is largely focused on specific geographic regions, but – as the environmental crises unfolds - what were once purely ecological concerns for indigenous and native peoples have now become a global concern.
"Indigenous peoples and local communities have accumulated knowledge and values about nature over generations. Over 80% of the planet's remaining biodiversity is stewarded by indigenous peoples" the official page of UN Climate Change stated.
Despite accounting for just around 5% of the world's population, native and indigenous peoples manage at least 11% of the planet's forest, which accounts for about 80% of the planet's biodiversity. Indigenous peoples live in around 693 of 867 ecological zones, representing about 80% of all terrestrial ecological regions which are home to half of the world's indigenous communities. As a result, environmental preservation is intrinsically linked to their quality of life.
Indigenous religions and animism include religious concepts and fundamental values which are intrinsically linked to the natural environment. Therefore, when we observe traditional environmental knowledge through the eyes of indigenous and local communities, we see that it originates from religious traditions that consider Nature as one.
Not only traditional knowledge carries a strong sense of respect and belonging to nature and responsibility to protect it, it also originates highly effective environmental management practices.
For instance, many indigenous people in Nagaland traditionally collect and store rainwater in reservoirs along mountain slopes for irrigation and other uses, which helps to reduce soil erosion known as Zabo. These gathered waters are then channeled through animal dung, which provides nutrients, and onto rice fields. This is an example of an indigenous rainwater conservation strategy based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
In Burkina Faso, the ancient practice of Zai was restored in the 1980s, when tiny pits were dug in the ground and filled with compost, manure, and seeds just before the rainy season began. This TEK practice helps conserve precious water while also enhancing soil fertility, which is critical given the uncertainty of rainfall in the region. This traditional approach is also used in Niger, Mali, Senegal, and Chad.
The Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander people have also a strong, traditional commitment to ecology. They believe that they are inextricably linked to Nature and that they have a responsibility to protect it. These indigenous people were taught to respect the environment, and that they should take only what is necessary and not waste anything, thus practicing sustainability.
Previously, most activities of traditional ecological knowledge were viewed through colonial perspectives as myths or religious practices related to paganism or animism. This was due to a significant lack of scientific investigation. Most of these studies ignored that these indigenous traditions have been observed for centuries and passed down through generations and proved to be very efficient in the local context where they are practiced. Moreover, as newer generations use these methods, they adapt them to the changing environment, keeping them effective.
Considering the high environmental value of these practices, traditional ecological knowledge should be preserved and widely taught. Including TEK in education portfolio and environmental management courses could contribute to the acceleration of the SDGs implementation as well as supporting environmental conservation projects. They could also drive a much needed change in environmental consciousness, bringing people closer to Nature.
Inclusion of indigenous people in efforts to address environmental issues.
1. Indigenous Peoples' Human and Environmental Rights
Indigenous peoples have been recognised by the International Labour Organization Convention Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries, 1989 (ILO No. 169) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which would include the rights to lands, territories, and resources, as well as collective rights.
To address environmental challenges, indigenous peoples and native communities from all regions must be included in policymaking and international fora such as Stockholm+50.
To enhance environmental protection, communities' attempts to secure indigenous rights must be supported and indigenous and native communities must berecognized and included as part of the environmental solution.
2. Indigenous Knowledge of the Environment
David Kaimowitz, Senior Forestry Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Manager, Forest and Farm Facility stated “We cannot protect forests without Indigenous Peoples. We know that forests do better when indigenous land rights are respected, with lower deforestation rates and carbon emissions. Without them, we cannot win the race to save the planet.”
Environmental degradation has a direct impact on indigenous existence since their way of life has always been inextricably linked to the environment. Hence, indigenous peoples are the ones most impacted by environmental issues.
Since the majority of indigenous and native cultures' traditions and practices promote the long-term use and protection of land, engaging indigenous and native communities in environmental solutions through the utilization of their TEK methods is definitely a plus.
Pushing for a change through The Indegenous
The Indegenous aims to put the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples' solemn assertions into practice. Through raising awareness of the various indigenous people and showcasing our traditions and history, we advocate for change through young individuals in the domain of education and the environment. The Indegenous has recognized the value of environmental awareness and has recently launched a campus ambassador programme that will advocate for the environment through a variety of projects.
To summarize, our objective in working with the Green Forum and Stockholm+50, is to empower indigenous people to be at the forefront of environmental discussions and solutions.
