Indigenous peoples
Indigenous peoples live in some of the world's most biologically-diverse areas and, in their traditional stewardship role, have accumulated a deep knowledge of the environment. They also have first-hand experience of environmental degradation attributed to climate change, and its economic and social consequences. With Arctic warming, rising sea levels in the Pacific, and desertification in the Sahel, the livelihoods and way of life of many indigenous peoples are under threat.
With their close insight into the workings of local ecosystems, indigenous peoples should play an active role in the global response to climate change. In addition to their knowledge of weather patterns, lessons may be learned about agricultural methods, exploitation of alternative food sources, and preservation of freshwater resources.
DESA houses the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. At its 2008 session, the Forum focused on climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods. Experts discussed the stewardship role of indigenous peoples, the new challenges they face, and advised the Economic and Social Council accordingly.
Dialogue, research, analysis
- Climate change and indigenous peoples
- April 2008
- Climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods, 7th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
- September 2005
- International workshop on indigenous traditional knowledge
Case studies 2007
Sustainable Hydropower Development: The Bersimis Complex
- Summary:
- The Bersimis hydroelectric complex comprises two jointly operated powerhouses, Bersimis-1 (1 125 MW) and Bersimis-2, a 845 MW run-of-river power station as well as a 42 km2 reservoir which were built... Learn more
Development of a Sustainable Energy Policy Framework for Guatemala
- Summary:
- Guatemala has a General Electricity Law and an Incentive Law for electric energy generation with renewable energy resources, but it lacks a general energy policy directive framework. The objective of ... Learn more
Case studies 2006
Water and Sanitation
- Summary:
- Water Supply and Sanitation: There are two different project approaches that the government has been using to provide clean and drinking water to urban and rural communities. Firstly, a community d... Learn more
Commitments-Related Best Practice or Lessons Learned in Water
- Summary:
- In 1994-95, the Council of Australian Governments adopted the Water Reform Framework, whereby all jurisdictions committed to a strategic framework designed to create an economically efficient and ecol... Learn more
Supportive Government Framework Allows for Trade Union Input into Kyoto Mechanisms
- Summary:
- A decision by the Government of Belguim in July 2005 ensures that social and sustainability criteria are considered when funding 'flexible mechanisms' for meeting its Kyoto commitments. It has ins... Learn more
Climate Alliance
- Summary:
- The Climate Alliance of European Cities with Indigenous Rainforest Peoples is Europe's largest thematic network with a membership over 1300 European cities and municipalities in 14 countries. Joinin... Learn more
Technical Expertise for Renewable Energy Application (TERNA) - Cross-regional
- Summary:
- GTZ's TERNA Wind Energy Programme aims at overcoming the lack of knowledge concerning the wind enery potential in developing countries and emerging markets. Major activities comprise energy policy adv... Learn more
National Climate Change Programme
- Summary:
- Sudan is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, therefore adaptation considered to be a priority in the National Implementation Strategy of the Climate Change Convention. To achieve th... Learn more
Mexican Rural Electrification Programme
- Summary:
- This programme is designed to electrify rural and indigenous communities in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Veracruz using renewable energy powered energy solutions associated with product... Learn more
Bushlight - Indigenous Renewable Energy Services
- Summary:
- The Bushlight programme has been provided with Australian Government funding of more than $24 million for both operational and capital works expenditure over a 5 year period. Bushlight was develo... Learn more
Partnerships
Recovery of the Circuit of Four Lakes
- Lead Partner:
- Yachay Wasi - Yachay Wasi
- Geographical Scope:
- Local
- Summary:
- Surging from a pressing environmental need, this partnership was implemented by the Indigenous NGO Yachay Wasi (based in New York City, USA and in Cuzco, Peru) to assess and stop the growing chemical contamination of 4 Andean mountain lakes, one of them affecting the village of Acopia in Peru, birthplace of Luis Delgado Hurtado, Yachay Wasi co-founder and president, who now resides in Cuzco, Peru... Learn more.
Southern Caucus of NGOs for Sustainable Development Five Multi Regional Partnership and Policy Centers
- Lead Partner:
- Southern Caucus Of NGOs For Sustainable Development
- Geographical Scope:
- Global
- Summary:
- THE PARTNERSHIP SHALL: 1. Establish Five Multi Regional Centers to assist in recruitment, mobilization and development of human resources and strengthen Southern Major Group NGO Institutions on Local, National and Regional Levels and increase their Capacity to participate in and contribute to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Locally, Nationally and Regionally. 2 Seek resources... Learn more
