Confronting Green Colonialism
Indigenous-led and Local Community Solutions for Food-Water-Land Security
Confronting Green Colonialism
Indigenous-led and Local Community Solutions for Food-Water-Land Security
Indigenous Climate and Energy Equity
Inuvialuit Solutions for Climate Security in the Western Arctic
The Inuvialuit Settlement Region is in the western Arctic; the marine and terrestrial ecosystems have always supported Inuvialuit livelihoods and well-being. Inuvialuit rights are well recognized in this region, as well as in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement and associated co-management institutions. Warming temperatures have led to significant changes in arctic landscapes, the health and disturbance of species, Inuvialuit relationships and the use of resources in the region. Increasing cruise ship tourism, petroleum & mineral exploration catalyzed by melting sea ice are a worry many Inuvialuit communities, worried about the risks to arctic wildlife (e.g., beluga whales), their livelihoods, food security and health. How can Inuvialuit lead a more equitable energy transition that will sustain their land, water, and food security for future generations?
Mining and Caribou Livelihoods in the Canadian Sub-Arctic
Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation and Yellowknives Dene First Nations are communities in the sub-arctic-boreal and tundra regions of Canada. They have well-developed hunting livelihoods, which are impacted by multiple stressors. The Bathurst caribou herd, once numbering over 450,000 animals, has declined by over 99% in the last 20 years. This is a trend that Denesọłiné Elders and many scientists attribute to both climate change, predation, and mining activity. In addition to diamond mining activity already occuring in the reigon, a lithium mine is proposed within the Bathurst caribou range in the traditional territory of the Denesọłiné.
Bioeconomic Innovations: Ribeirinhos in Brazil
Local communities in Brazil who live and depend on the Amazon River and its tributaries are known as Ribeirinhos. Ribeirinho knowledge and innovations for coping with climate change, as well as the risks of industrial development (e.g., hydro-development, roads, ports, railways), are an important area of focus in our research, specifically in the Madeira, Tapajós and Xingu basins. Farming-the-forest techniques for açaí have been among previous innovations recognized globally; other innovations to improve food, water, and land security are needed.
Quechua Biocultural Knowledge and Practices in the Andes
Biocultural innovation based on Quechua knowledge will be documented and mobilized. Climate stress in this mountain environment is growing as a result of rising temperatures and variable weather patterns. Drawing lessons from the success of the “Quechua Potato Park”, Quechua communities will further develop their unique innovations to climate stress and support cross-cultural learning (including youth exchanges).
Kabyè and Peulh/Fulbe, West Africa
Kabyè and Peulh/Fulbe Climate Reslience in West Africa
Climate risk in West Africa (Togo, Bénin) is acute with rising temperatures and variation in precipitation causing severe drought and flooding. These events are adding to food and water insecurity and problems of displacement and conflict in the region. Deforestation and the clearing of land for charcoal production and large-scale mono-cropping are contributing to this flood risk. Kabyè and Peulh/Fulbe traditional knowledge can address these risks but is poorly documented.
Conflict, Climate Change and Mining Risks for the Tuareg PEople of the Sahara / Sahel
Indigenous Peoples of the Sahara / Sahel are known as Tuareg. Tuerag pastoralist livelihoods are under stress due to climate change and associated problems, poor health, poverty and conflict.. Such stresses are only increasing because of mining for rare earth minerals in the region. Tuareg leadership and knowledge, including that of women, is key to finding solutions.
Karen Solutions to Climate and Food Security Stress in the Uplands of northern Thailand
Indigenous Peoples from northern Thailand are known as the Karen Peoples. Climate change, as well as encroachment from logging, urbanization and carbon-credit initiatives, is the cause of significant conflict, particularly in the border regions Karen practices of rotational-farming is proposed as having a relatively limited carbon footprint compared to other forms of agriculture and forestry, however, this practice is poorly recognized despite providing myriad benefits to food-water-land security.
Malchid (Herder) Knowledge for Climate Solutions
The research will be carried out to assess the risks of climate change for livestock and herder communities by focusing on Malchid practices in three ecoregions of Mongolia. Unregulated overgrazing, extreme weather conditions (drought and/or dzud), lack of policies and enforcement and increased mining activities create grave conditions for Malchid to sustain their traditional way of living. Many Malchid have already been forced to move from their nutag (traditional land). We aim to map the land and record climate observations from Malchid's perspective, assist them in strengthening their potential and implementing climate just solutions.
Our Partners
