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Joan Carling (Kankanaey) from the Philippines says that Indigenous Peoples' collective rights, territorial and land rights, and Free, prior, and informed consent must be respected while developing renewable energy solutions. Our knowledge and experiences are crucial for addressing climate change and sustainable development. We demand to be seen as partners and valued contributors to sustainable solutions.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Joan Carling (Kankanaey)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.

Mirian Masaquiza Jerez a senior Social Affairs Officer for the Department of Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations says that Indigenous Peoples are actively participating in COP28 and engaging with delegates and member states. Their efforts are crucial to achieving meaningful climate action that safeguards the planet and respects Indigenous rights.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Mirian Masaquiza Jerez (Quichua)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.

Dr. Mirna Cunningham, an Indigenous Miskita from Nicaragua says, despite progress, Indigenous Peoples face ongoing challenges from climate change and extractive industries. They demand recognition of their rights, knowledge, and role in safeguarding water, forests, and resources. COP28 must amplify their voices and address critical concerns.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Mirna Cunningham (Miskita)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

During every COP gathering, individuals and organisations who defend the land and environment, as well as Indigenous communities, voice their need for increased safeguards for their territories against industries that harm the environment, including mining, logging, and industrial agriculture. Climate organizations like Global Witness frequently send delegates to advocate for quick and ambitious measures to address the climate emergency.
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.

En noviembre del 2013, un equipo de Sobrevivencia Cultural visitó a la comunidad de Nuevo Andoas en Loreto, Perú, para conocer la situación de grave contaminación medioambiental causado por la explotación petrolera en la región.

La Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (COP 28) se está llevando a cabo en Dubai del 30 de noviembre al 12 de diciembre del 2023. Se trata de una reunión internacional para debatir sobre el tema del cambio climático, plantear propuestas, llegar a acuerdos y buscar soluciones que ayuden a mitigarlo. En ella participan líderes mundiales, representantes y delegaciones de distintos gobiernos, organizaciones ambientalistas e integrantes de Pueblos Indígenas. Cultural Survival está presente en la COP28 y ha logrado platicar con algunos de los delegados.

Con el fin de evaluar los esfuerzos globales para hacer frente al cambio climático y buscar soluciones, año con año se realiza la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático, que en esta ocasión se está llevando a cabo en Dubai del 30 de noviembre al 12 de diciembre. Integrantes de Cultural Survival están presentes en la COP 28, y han logrado platicar con algunos delegados de los Pueblos Indígenas. Escuchemos a José Gudiño, integrante de la Red de Adolescentes y Jóvenes Indígenas de Amazonas. 

Desde el 30 de noviembre y hasta el 12 de diciembre se está llevando a cabo, en Dubai, la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (COP 28), en la que, además de representantes y delegaciones de distintos gobiernos, están participando líderes y lideresas Indígenas. Cultural Survival está presente en este evento y ha logrado platicar con algunos de ellos. Escuchemos a María Floridalma López Atz, activista social y ambiental, joven maya kaqchikel de Guatemala. 

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Minnie Degawan is an Indigenous Kankanaey-Igorot from the Cordillera region in the Philippines. She believes that Indigenous women play a crucial role in the fight to preserve our planet. They act as protectors of biodiversity and are responsible for safeguarding endangered species and ecosystems. Furthermore, they are the driving force behind climate solutions, using their innovative approaches to reduce emissions and build resilience. Due to their leadership and dedication, they are instrumental in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.

Jessica Vega Ortega, a young Indigenous woman from the Mixtec Indigenous Peoples of Mexico, is attending COP28 with the hope of observing the government's efforts towards implementing changes that directly impact Indigenous communities at the grassroots level. She believes that prioritizing Indigenous youth within these programs is crucial, as it ensures their voices and perspectives are heard and taken into account, ultimately shaping sustainable solutions for their future.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Jessica Vega Ortega (Mixtec)

Shree Kumar Maharjan, who is from the Newar  Indigenous People of Nepal, believes that COP28 is a significant event for launching the Indigenous Youth Platform. This platform is a crucial step forward in empowering the next generation of Indigenous youth to actively participate in climate decision-making. By including their voices and perspectives, we can better shape a sustainable future and ensure more inclusive and just climate action.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Shree Kumar Maharjan (Newar)

Tarcila Rivera Zea is an Indigenous Peoples rights activist from Peru who believes that the promise made by the COP 28 presidency to prioritize Indigenous Peoples lacks concrete substance until it is formally documented. She states that they have heard promises of respecting their rights before but haven't seen any meaningful action follow. According to her, words alone are not enough, and they need tangible commitments embedded in the official text to hold the presidency accountable.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Tarcila Rivera Zea(Quechua)

Jennifer Corpuz, a member of the Kankanaey Igorot Indigenous People of Mountain Province in the Philippines, encourages her fellow Indigenous people to continue their fight. She believes that they have earned their place through tireless struggle and their voices and issues should be included in the narrative. Jennifer urges them not to lose ground and to keep pushing for a future where their story is heard and respected.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Jennifer Corpuz (Kankanay -Igorot)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.

Rodion Sulyandziga (Odege) from Russia believes that Indigenous Peoples should combine optimism with strategic action to advance their agendas despite facing challenges. To achieve this, he suggests mobilizing all available partners and resources and pushing for meaningful change collaboratively.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Rodion Sulyandziga (Odege)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Adamou Amadou, who is from the Mbororo community in Cameroon and is also the president of the Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, believes that in climate negotiations, discussions have mainly focused on oceans, mountains, and forests. However, he points out that one important voice has been left out of the conversation: the pastoralists. They play a crucial role in safeguarding large areas of land and possess valuable traditional knowledge that can help with adapting to climate change.

En noviembre del 2013, un equipo de Sobrevivencia Cultural visitó a la comunidad de Nuevo Andoas en Loreto, Perú, para conocer la situación de grave contaminación medioambiental causado por la explotación petrolera en la región.

According to Francisco Cali Tzay, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it is imperative that the government recognizes and upholds the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This includes their right to self-determination, which allows them to decide whether or not mining extraction should take place on their land. Therefore, the government must engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Indigenous Peoples to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Francisco Cali Tzay (Maya Kaqchikel)

Pratima Gurung, is the Secretary General of the Indigenous Person with Disabilities Global Network (IPWDGN) and National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal (NIDWAN). She believes that indigenous people with disabilities are affected disproportionately by climate change, but their voices are not being heard in the important negotiations that will shape our future. She thinks that there should be a formal recognition of their issues and dedicated constituencies within these discussions.

Tishiko King (Kulkalaig), a member of the First Nations group, has emphasized the urgent need for Australia to invest in measures aimed at adapting to climate change. It is also important to ensure that all communities have access to renewable energy. This is essential to safeguard our country and its people, and to prioritize the role of Indigenous peoples in finding solutions to the climate crisis.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Tishiko King (Kulkalaig)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.

Governments and States must prioritize the needs of Indigenous peoples. It's crucial to recognize their existence and rights and put Indigenous youth at the center of all efforts. Investing in Indigenous youth is an effective way to build a more equitable and just future for everyone.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Chandra Tripura (Tripura)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Eileen Mairena Cunningham of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change urges that the final document of COP28 should explicitly mention Indigenous Peoples. This is because they have made invaluable contributions towards climate solutions and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Acknowledging their contributions and vulnerabilities is crucial for ensuring that they can participate meaningfully in the global response to climate change. It will also help in fostering a just and inclusive approach towards tackling climate change.

Graeme Reed (Anishinaabe), notes that while Indigenous Peoples' participation in climate discussions is increasing, further development of their diplomatic and advocacy skills is required to ensure their voices are heard and their knowledge is valued in global climate decision-making.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Graeme Reed (Anishinaabe)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Sara Olsvig(Inuit), the International Chair of Inuit Circumpolar Council, calls on States and the UN to recognize Indigenous Peoples' distinct identity. She urges them to uphold the UN Declaration on their Rights and incorporate its principles in all UN documents.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Sara Olsvig (Inuit)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Helen Biangalen-Magata, a member of the Kadaclan Indigenous Peoples from the Mountain Province in the Philippines, emphasized the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in contributing to climate solutions. She called for the recognition of their rights and the need to treat them as partners.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Helen Biangalen-Magata (Kadaclan)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.

Nature-based and net-zero solutions are again at the forefront of solutions offered by governments and businesses to deal with the climate crisis. These solutions include the creation of carbon market schemes and green energy production projects. We all know that nature-based solutions and net-zero solutions are false solutions, because they fail to address emissions reductions at source; instead they permit the destruction of ecosystems in one place for the promise of restoring ecosystems in another place.