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Addressee: Academia, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies, UN system/UN agencies
Full Text
The Permanent Forum recommends that the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies, university research centres and relevant United Nations agencies conduct further studies on the impacts of climate change and climate change responses on indigenous peoples who are living in highly fragile ecosystems, such as low-lying coastal areas and small island States; semi-arid and arid lands and dry and sub-humid lands (grasslands); tropical and subtropical forests; and high mountain areas.
Responses
IFAD reports: 51. To this extent, a research study was conducted on the 1,095 project proposals received by IPAF in 2007. The study focused on solutions to rural poverty and sectors of intervention as proposed by indigenous peoples’ communities and their organizations. The study’s main findings showed that most proposals have a holistic perspective with a strong focus on sustainability. Cultural identity and rights-based approaches were built into livelihoods, natural resource and land management as well as into environmental regeneration approaches. Many of the activities proposed by indigenous peoples and their organizations included integrated approaches. The holistic model forms a well-integrated package, tying various sectors with identity and rights. In the context of global warming and erosion of biodiversity, pollution of rivers and overexploitation of land, this model is very timely and appropriate. It is in line with a long-term perspective and sustainability that was endorsed at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, but which is still not fully implemented. Living in fragile environments, indigenous peoples have time-tested experience and valuable knowledge that could also be used for adaptation and mitigation of global warming.
Final Report of UNPFII Session 7 (2008)
Area of Work
