Indigenous Knowledge
Definition
Indigenous Knowledge refers to collective knowledge, valuable insights, and rights to ancestral lands, territories and resources, way of life of Indigenous Peoples.[1]
Indigenous Peoples' ways of life are inherently low-carbon and emphasize balance between humans and the natural world. Their traditional practices have low impact on the environment and are responsive to it, fostering self-sustaining ecosystems.
Indigenous Peoples were among the first to notice climate change and their knowledge and practices help navigate and adapt to its impacts. Indigenous knowledge, which is intergenerational and community-based, is a great source of meaningful climate solutions that can advance mitigation, enhance adaptation, and build resilience. It can also complement scientific data with precise landscape information that is critical to evaluating climate change scenarios.
Indigenous Peoples protect an estimated 80 percent of the world’s remaining biodiversity yet continue to be largely excluded from almost all global decision-making processes on climate change.
Issues and Challenges
- Recognizing and including indigenous knowledge across climate policies and actions.
