Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Climate Action
COP29 Side Event
The voices of the indigenous peoples of the Iwokrama Forest, one of the last pristine rainforests in the world, echoed through the hallways of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday.
The Power of Indigenous Knowledge
Namibia, Seychelles, and the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat co-hosted the COP29 side event, Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems for Climate Action: Delivering Together a Resilient Future for All. The event provided an opportunity for those present to witness the wisdom of the Iwokrama through a stunning short film showcasing the power of indigenous knowledge, especially when combined with Western science, to support sustainable livelihoods and economies.
The Film
The Commonwealth Secretariat produced the film "Take on What You Need: The Success Story of the Iwokrama Forest" in partnership with the Iwokrama International Centre for Thin Forest Conservation and Development (IIC). The film’s main character, Michael Williams, the Toshao or chief of Guyana’s Annai Central region, inspired the core message. In the movie, he says, "Take what you need and leave the rest for future generations."
The Iwokrama Forest Model
Since 1996, the Commonwealth Secretariat has worked with the Guyana government to support the IIC. The collaboration is underpinned by the Commonwealth’s 202s Living Lands Charter, which aims to accelerate integrated and sustainable land management in line with the three Rio conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation.
The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge
Speaking at the film’s unveiling, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC highlighted indigenous knowledge as vital to unlocking solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis. "The Commonwealth Secretariat premiered this film at COP29 so delegates could hear the voices of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples and see the success of the ground-breaking Iwokrama Forest model. The incredible progress of the last 200 years has come at an unsustainable cost. For a viable future, we must acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples have managed their societies more sustainably. Justice, empowerment, and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples will unlock a genuinely prosperous future for us all," she said.
The Role of Indigenous Peoples
The Vice Chair of the National Toshaos Council in Guyana, Sonia Latchman, said the video says it all, adding, "In Guyana, we have the solution to the climate crisis, and we have a perfect model for other countries to follow as it relates to diversity in Guyana, from rainforests to savannahs and wetlands. Indigenous peoples are significant. Our voices must be heard, our rights respected, and we must be invited to the table. Guyana should be an example because our model works for all Indigenous Peoples and citizens back home."
Conclusion
The Iwokrama film also complements the Forest Carbon toolkit launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat at COP29. The toolkit, which includes case studies from Guyana and Rwanda, provides a roadmap to access funding through the voluntary carbon market while protecting the lives and livelihoods of indigenous peoples, local communities, and landowners.
FAQs
- What is the Iwokrama Forest?
The Iwokrama Forest is one of the last pristine rainforests in the world, located in Guyana. - What is the Living Lands Charter?
The Living Lands Charter is a Commonwealth initiative that aims to accelerate integrated and sustainable land management in line with the three Rio conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation. - What is the Forest Carbon toolkit?
The Forest Carbon toolkit is a roadmap to access funding through the voluntary carbon market while protecting the lives and livelihoods of indigenous peoples, local communities, and landowners.
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