Introduction

Biodiversity and climate change are the core issues of two separate international policy agreements. However the obvious links between biodiversity and climate change are increasingly justifying the need for greater synergies between the UNFCCC and CBD processes and implementation activities. Human induced climate change impacts biodiversity and biodiversity can reduce the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems. One aspect of this link is the role of the forestry sector in contributing to and fighting climate change and the opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries – REDD.

It has been recognized that climate change is having a disproportionate effect on vulnerable communities, including indigenous communities. REDD related activities can present both opportunities and risks for the rights of indigenous peoples. However international discussions surrounding REDD are yet to adequately consider the interests of indigenous peoples. The climate change related activities currently being undertaken at the Institute therefore seeks to explore these links between climate change and indigenous peoples, climate change and biodiversity. This exploration includes policy research, collation and dissemination of stories from indigenous communities, provision of information resources and bringing together various communities which often tackle the issues in separate fora.

Activities
    2009
International Scientific Congress on Climate Change -  "Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions", Mar 09 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Programme experts and partners will present three papers relevant to the dicussions in Session 43 Integrating Climate Change into Global Sustainability, Chaired by UNU Vice-Rector Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi.

Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Assessment:  The United Nations Permanent Forum at its Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum held from 21 April to 2 May 2008 recommended 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".  This IP Climate Change Assessment will assess - Climate change impacts on IPs and their lands, cultures and livelihoods; Observations of IPs of climate change and environmental changes; Responses/strategies/vision of IPs in the face of this, and what they need to realize these; and Impacts of climate change measures

Video Briefs on Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples: Seven video briefs are under development in partnership with the UNU Media Studio which address how indigenous people are being affected by and are adapting to climate change.  One such video brief on Sea Level Rise in Kowanyama can be viewed at Our World 2.0.

Indigenous Peoples' Global Summit on Climate Change: The Global Summit will involve an estimated 200-300 invited participants to pursue four main objectives including  the sharing of lessons from the views and experiences of Indigenous Peoples on climate change. This Summit will convene in Anchorage, Alaska, USA in April 09.

UNFCCC COP 15: Researchers will present the Institute's work and outputs from earlier meetings at COP 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark in Dec 09.

Suppport to Indigenous Peoples Participation in REDD Regional and Global Discussions: In Nov 08, the Institute supported, with partners, the South East Asia Indigenous Peoples  Consultation on REDD and the Global Indigenous Peoples Consultation on REDD in Baguio City, Philippines.  In 2009, the Institute will continue to support such meetings including the June, 09 Amazon Forum in Manaus, Brazil.

Publish the Online REDD Alert Bulletin:  This news update will seek to inform indigenous peoples of current REDD related activities, debates and projects.  It will be similar in design and purpose to the Traditional Knowledge Bulletin.

Develop with partners an Indigenous Peoples REDD Training Programme

Upcoming Publications

1. A synthesis report of exisiting literature on indigenous people and climate change
2. Republication of the Introductory REDD Guide
3. A Guide to Emissions Trading, Carbon Financing and Indigenous Peoples in Nothern Australia

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This page is currently being updated.

For further information please contact:
Wendy S. Elliott
Programme Associate
elliott@ias.unu.edu