Indigenous peoples' adaptation

All over the world Indigenous Peoples are affected by the impacts of climate change. They often live close to the land and depend on its physical resources and richness for their livelihoods and well-being. Their environments are increasingly threatened by, for example, desertification, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and changes in wildlife health, migration patterns and abundance. At the same time, there is evidence that some current attempts to tackle climate change may also have disastrous effects on indigenous groups and communities.

In September 2008, FIELD prepared a paper on ‘Ways for Indigenous Peoples' groups to advance adaptation concerns and solutions through international fora'.

The paper focuses on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol. It also addresses the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

The paper provides a summary of each of the agreements or organisations mentioned. It looks at climate change, adaptation and Indigenous Peoples in the context of these agreements, analyses formal rules for observer status and provides strategic considerations.

It also highlights opportunities for engagement by Indigenous Peoples, as well as challenges, noting that preparations for the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December 2009 will involve intense preparations.

The paper was prepared for the Inuit Circumpolar Council (Alaska) with support from The Christensen Fund.