Climate Change & the Environment

Cultural Survival attended the international negotiations of the 12th session of the Intersessional Working Group on Article 8(j) relating traditional knowledge, innovation and practices of Indigenous Peoples under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on November 12-16, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Johanna Von Braun from the International Land Coalition has been sharing some fascinating data on Indigenous Peoples' land tenure during the negotiations in Geneva. We asked Johanna to share some of that data with our audience.
Produced by Bryan Bixcul (Maya Tz'utujil)

The Convention on Biological Diversity, at it’s 15th conference of the Parties last year in Montreal, adopted a decision on digital sequence information on genetic resources, by which it established, as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including a global fund. To do this, the decision also established a working group tasked to further develop the multilateral mechanism and provide recommendations that will be considered at the upcoming COP16.

The Eichel family also takes pride in the small museum located within their restaurant. They are known for hosting a variety of community events, including a recent Khoisan wedding. Their dedication to preserving local history and fostering community engagement is truly remarkable.

Representatives from the Global Environmental Facility -GEF- presented their plans for the implementation of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) established at COP15 last year. During the International Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples on the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in Geneva, they revealed that there is no new mechanism to directly fund Indigenous-led or Indigenous-governed funds. Many Indigenous leaders have shared about the inefficiencies of the GEF system when it comes to access to funds for Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous leaders are taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, act as guardians of ecosystems, manage pollution, and protect the natural environment.
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)
Interviewee: Amba-Rose (Gumbaynggirr)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission

Mary Harm, a young Chinese Fijian woman, believes that young people's voices need to be heard loud and clear. She thinks that we should focus on amplifying the stories and experiences of Indigenous youth, especially when it comes to the impact of climate change on their lives and communities. By sharing their narratives in new and innovative ways, we can raise awareness and inspire action. Ultimately, this will lead to a more sustainable future for everyone.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Mary Harm(Fijian)

Tunga Rai emphasizes the importance of Indigenous voices being included in discussions that concern their communities. The call for inclusion is echoed through the phrase "Nothing about us without us".  True progress can only be made when Indigenous voices are present at the table.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Tunga Rai (Rai)
"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.

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.

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.