THE ROLE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN CLIMATE ACTION

As all nations, institutions and organizations strengthen capacities, embrace collaboration, and emphasize cross-disciplinary/sectoral inclusion in the fight against the climate crisis, the place of local communities and Indigenous peoples, not only as ‘vulnerables’ but also as harbingers of solutions, is crucial. Indeed, these communities possess invaluable traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and sustainable management approaches that, over the years, have contributed to nature conservation and resilience for generations. Today, while their intimate connection to land and natural resources makes them particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, yet, local communities and Indigenous peoples hold key solutions for adaptation and mitigation.

To provide some background and by means of definition, local communities and Indigenous peoples may refer to groups of people with a history of living in a particular area, with shared interests and a strong connection to their environment and/or distinct cultural groups with ancestral ties to specific regions, and are characterized by unique languages, traditions, and governance systems. These groups of people, due to their close ties with nature and culture, have a deep understanding of their ecosystems, as well as sustainable practices. You will find that this deep-rooted knowledge is integral in driving climate action. Thus, engaging local communities and indigenous peoples in climate action would involve recognizing and integrating their knowledge, practices, and rights into policies and initiatives, acknowledging their crucial role in sustainable development and climate resilience.

Firstly, this form of engagement allows for the preservation and integration of traditional knowledge, which offers insights into effective climate-resilient strategies. Secondly, these communities fondly reside in areas of high biodiversity, and their traditional land management practices contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, which is essential for climate resilience. They have also, over the years, developed adaptive strategies to cope with environmental changes, which can inform current and future climate adaptation efforts. This can be observed in their lifestyles, interaction with nature and among themselves, etc. Practices such as agroforestry and rotational grazing which can enhance carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts, can also be traced to their traditional land management practices. Indeed, the recognition and preservation of indigenous cultures and traditions would vital for maintaining diverse perspectives and holistic approaches to sustainability.

HOW THE CLIMATE CRISIS THREATENS LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Like other groups and in different parts of the world, LC and IP face its own share of challenges associated with climate change, but these challenges are often exacerbated due to the marginalized status of these groups and their high dependence on natural resources. This is the reason extreme weather events, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels present a significant threat as these changes directly impact their livelihoods, which are often based on agriculture, fishing, hunting, and gathering. For instance, changes in rainfall patterns may lead to droughts or floods, affecting crop yields and food security. For a people who live and interact closely with nature, rising sea levels may inundate coastal areas, displacing communities and disrupting traditional fishing practices. Loss of biodiversity and ecosystems due to climate change would also further threaten their food sources and traditional ways of life. We see recently that farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, leading to crop failures, food insecurity, and loss of income; coastal communities in small island states like the Maldives and Tuvalu are facing increased risks of flooding and sea-level rise, leading to displacement and loss of homes; indigenous communities in the Arctic are experiencing the rapid melting of ice caps and permafrost, threatening their traditional hunting and fishing livelihoods; among many others.

It is also worthy of note that these challenges intersect with issues of rights, land tenure, and cultural preservation. Many indigenous communities rely on traditional lands and territories for their livelihoods and cultural identity. Unfortunately, these lands are increasingly under threat from deforestation, industrial development, and land grabbing. To make matters worse, climate change exacerbates these threats, as changing environmental conditions make it more difficult to maintain traditional practices and livelihoods. Moreover, the loss of traditional knowledge and cultural practices due to displacement or assimilation continues to undermine their resilience to climate change. We must, therefore, know that issues of land tenure and recognition of indigenous rights are critical in ensuring that these communities can continue to steward their lands and resources in ways that are both sustainable and adaptive to climate change. The problem is that without secure land rights and recognition of their role as stewards of the environment, LC and IP are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and face greater challenges in adapting to these changes.

HOW LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ARE ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES

Traditional knowledge, sustainable practices, and community-based approaches are at the heart of the innovative approaches that LC and IP are taking to address the climate crisis and its impacts. Their contributions are rooted in their deep understanding of local ecosystems and centuries-old practices that promote resilience and sustainability. In many cases, given their role in sustainable land management, Indigenous communities have developed intricate systems of land use that prioritize conservation and regeneration. For example, the Maasai people in Kenya and Tanzania practice rotational grazing, which allows grasslands to recover and maintain biodiversity. Community-based conservation is another area, as LC and IP have a vested interest in preserving their natural resources for future generations and often play a central role in managing protected areas. Nobody does it like them. The Guna people in Panama, for instance, have established community-managed marine protected areas that not only conserve biodiversity but also support sustainable fisheries, benefiting both the environment and local livelihoods.

Without a doubt, the integration of traditional knowledge into climate action is a key strength of LC and IP. A careful observation and acknowledgement of their knowledge of weather patterns, plant and animal behaviour, and natural resource management shows how invaluable they are in adapting to climate change. Interestingly, this knowledge is gradually being recognized and adopted in some parts of the world. In the Pacific Islands, traditional navigation techniques have been used to monitor sea-level rise and predict weather patterns, helping communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Quechua People in the Andes are maintaining ancient agricultural terraces that capitalize on natural water runoff, preventing soil erosion and enhancing water conservation; the Saami Communities in Scandinavia, integrating indigenous knowledge into land-use planning and resource management policies to safeguard their nomadic lifestyle and the Arctic environment; among others. These just demonstrate how LC and IP are actively contributing to climate action through their sustainable practices, thus offering valuable lessons for global climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

RECOGNITION OF THE ROLE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE ACTION

So far, international, regional, and national policies increasingly recognize and support the role of local communities and indigenous peoples in climate action. Most of these policies have aimed to integrate traditional knowledge, promote community-based approaches, and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, territories, and resources. It goes on to emphasize the importance of their traditional knowledge in environmental conservation and sustainable development. Noteworthy also is the Paris Agreement, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which acknowledges the importance of respecting and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples in climate action and calls for the integration of their traditional knowledge into adaptation and mitigation strategies. There are also regional organizations like the Arctic Council and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) that have developed frameworks that recognize the role of indigenous peoples in climate change resilience and adaptation.

As a significant milestone, many countries have also adopted policies and laws that recognize the rights of indigenous peoples and their contributions to climate action. For example, Bolivia's Law of the Rights of Mother Earth recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to live in harmony with nature and promotes their role in environmental protection. In Canada, the Indigenous Guardians program supports indigenous-led conservation initiatives that integrate traditional knowledge and modern science to manage natural resources and protect ecosystems. Other national policy instruments including The Constitution of Kenya, The Namibia Forest Act, The Uganda National Environment Act, among others, have also recognized the rights of Indigenous communities to their ancestral lands and resources, and to participate in environmental management and decision-making processes. Most of the times, these frameworks emphasize the need for participatory approaches that involve Indigenous communities in making decisions related to climate policies and projects. It is only unfortunate that despite these policy recognitions and supports, there are challenges that persist in implementing these frameworks. As have been reported on different occasions, one is the lack of effective mechanisms for meaningful participation of IP in decision-making processes. Much so, limited access to funding and resources hinders the implementation of community-based climate initiatives and effective inclusion of LC and IP where it matters most. There are also issues of conflicting land tenure systems and competing interests over natural resources, land, leading to tensions between indigenous communities and external stakeholders, even governments. How then would these enhance collaborative climate action efforts?

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Though there have been a number of constraints as highlighted earlier, yet there are several successful collaborative initiatives exemplifying the impact of these partnerships. For example, the Indigenous Peoples' Climate Change Assessment (IPCCA), which is a global network of indigenous communities, collaboratively assess climate change impacts and develop adaptation strategies based on traditional knowledge. It is quite impressive that this initiative has led to the implementation of community-based adaptation projects that have improved food security, water management, and disaster risk reduction in Indigenous territories. The Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) also works with indigenous communities in the Amazon region to develop climate-resilient agroforestry systems that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. It is rewarding knowing that these initiatives have not only improved local food security but also contributed to carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration – huge step for climate change mitigation. In Australia, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) partners with Indigenous communities to manage and protect their lands for environmental conservation and cultural preservation. They train and employ indigenous rangers to undertake land management activities, such as fire management and biodiversity monitoring, and as such are contributing to ecosystem health and resilience. These examples demonstrate how strengthening partnerships between LC, IP, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders will further lead to innovative initiatives that play a crucial role in building sustainable and resilient communities in the face of climate change.

CASE STUDIES OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN CLIMATE ACTION

1. Sámi Reindeer Herding, Norway and Sweden: The Sámi people, who practice traditional reindeer herding, face challenges from climate change, including warmer winters leading to increased rain, which forms ice on the ground, making it difficult for reindeer to access food. They have, however, adapted their herding practices by using snowmobiles and supplemental feeding to support the reindeer during harsh winters. They also participate in research projects to monitor climate change impacts on reindeer herding and advocate for policies that support their traditional way of life. Read more about this on Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment. (2022). "Adapting to Climate Change in the Norwegian Arctic."

2. Maasai Pastoralists, Kenya and Tanzania: The Maasai pastoralists in Kenya and Tanzania face challenges from climate change, such as prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, impacting their traditional cattle herding practices. They have, however, adopted climate-resilient practices, including diversifying their livelihoods by engaging in small-scale farming and tourism. They also participate in community-based conservation initiatives to protect their grazing lands and wildlife. You can find more information on the United Nations Development Programme. (2020). "Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Maasai Mara."

3. Torres Strait Islanders, Australia: The Torres Strait Islanders face threats from rising sea levels and extreme weather events due to climate change, leading to erosion of their islands and loss of cultural heritage sites. To address these challenges, they have implemented community-led adaptation measures, such as building sea walls, relocating homes, and preserving cultural artefacts. They also advocate for stronger climate policies to address their unique challenges. More information available via: The Conversation. (2021). "Torres Strait Islanders Ask UN to Hold Australia to Account on Climate 'Human Rights Violation'."

CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Despite their crucial role in environmental stewardship and resilience, till date, many indigenous communities face marginalization and lack of representation in decision-making processes related to climate policies and projects. In many cases, there have been conflicts with development projects, such as infrastructure development and resource extraction, which often threaten their lands, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Notwithstanding the back and forth, there are opportunities to address these challenges and scale up successful approaches by integrating traditional knowledge into climate policies. In doing this, the place of capacity-building programs, knowledge exchange initiatives, and partnerships that promote the co-design and co-management of climate projects with indigenous communities cannot be underplayed. Recognize and respect indigenous rights, leverage their traditional knowledge, and support community-led initiatives. This will definitely enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of climate action. Uphold the rights of IP to their lands, territories, and resources, and recognize their governance systems and traditional knowledge as valid contributions to climate solutions. It is also crucial to invest in initiatives that promote sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and traditional knowledge integration. In all of these, for the success of climate adaptation and mitigation projects in indigenous communities, providing access to funding and technology is pertinent. We can build more inclusive and effective strategies to address the climate crisis when we begin to recognize the importance and leverage the ingenuity of local communities and Indigenous Peoples in climate action.