Convened by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), co-organized by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and UNESCO, and hosted by UNU Institute for Sustainability and Peace, this workshop was part of the ongoing intersessional process leading up to the second session of the IPBES plenary, scheduled for 9-14 December 2013, in Antalya, Turkey. It gathered over 30 academics and experts from around the world, with the aim to: examine and identify procedures and approaches for working with indigenous and local knowledge systems in the framework of IPBES; and review and assess possible conceptual frameworks for the work of IPBES that are based on or accommodate indigenous and local knowledge systems and worldviews.

In his opening remarks, IPBES Chair Professor Zakri highlighted that responding to the biodiversity crisis requires sound leadership and policies, which, in turn, require sound science. He noted that IPBES is designed to reduce the gulf between the wealth of scientific knowledge on declining biodiversity and its services, and knowledge about effective action to reverse these damaging trends, while the workshop’s responsibility is to develop a process that ensures the scientific and policy communities recognize, consider and accommodate indigenous and local knowledge in the framework of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Highlighting the interaction between scientific and technical authors with indigenous experts on the soon-to-be-released IPCC fifth assessment report on climate change, he noted the exchange of knowledge is truly inspiring, adding that traditional knowledge has a long history of sustainable management practices but also boasts great innovations and solutions to global problems. Further information on the workshop … Download the workshop’s agenda [pdf] … Download Professor Zakri’s opening remarks [doc] … Visit the IPBES website …

Aiming to “connect indigenous peoples and local communities land and sea managers,” the WIN Conference featured a variety of presentations, discussions and events, including on: plurinationality and territorial self-determination in Ecuador; how cultural sites are complementary to protected areas in Nepal; training courses for indigenous rangers in Amazonia; enhancing coastal ecosystems for Maori; models of local indigenous marine management in the Philippines; connecting indigenous, traditional and local knowledge and science under the IPBES; customary sustainable use under CBD Article 10(c); Laponia world heritage; NSW marine parks and aboriginal cultural fishing; developing an ancestral domain planning framework in the Philippines; the evolution of traditional use of marine resources agreements on the Great Barrier Reef; community protocols; participatory video; and new tools to support indigenous land management, such as the NAILSMA I-Tracker Land Patrol Application. The conference brought together 1200 delegates from countries across the Asia-Pacific region as well as from South-East Asia, South America and Africa. Delegates shared their experiences on how traditional customs have helped them protect their local environments and pass on environment protection practices from one generation to the next. As announced by Australia’s Minister Tony Burke at the WIN Conference, the Equator Initiative will be the interim host of the WIN Secretariat from July 2013. Access papers and audio/video presentations at the Conference … Access media reports on the Conference … Read the release by Australian Minister Tony Burke …

Developed by the UNEP-WCMC in partnership with UNDP, and launched at the WIN Conference, this new toolkit presents sixteen case studies highlighting innovative tools and approaches that local communities have developed to address critical challenges affecting their indigenous peoples’ and community conserved territories and areas (ICCAs). The toolkit includes a diverse set of resources organized around five key themes: documentation, management planning, monitoring and evaluation, communication, including TK management, and finance and values. The publication also offers a suite of tools to support the effectiveness and viability of ICCAs as governance structures for the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems. Download the toolkit [pdf] … Read the UNDP press release …

This multimedia publication uses video, audio, images and text to describe how indigenous communities are drawing on their knowledge and cosmovisions to rethink the priorities and governance of food and agricultural research in the Andean Altiplano of Bolivia and Peru. In the first chapter “Thinking and acting from the field,” the author Maruja Salas presents the participatory framework created for the Andean farmers to express their ideas. The chapter on “The virtues of participation” features a conceptual framework addressing food sovereignty as a form for amplifying food producers’ voices. Other chapters address: actors; constructing food sovereignty; wisdom networks; biographies and wise men and women; wisdom dialogues; and the power of experience. Download the publication or individual chapters …

ROME, ITALY: The ILC has circulated a draft scoping study, prepared by Birgitte Feiring, which will be open for comments until 8 July 2013. After the review process, suggested changes will be considered and the text published and distributed as a perspective paper. The study presents an overview of UN mechanisms on indigenous peoples, and examines land and resource rights under several international and regional instruments, as well as institutional policies of financial institutions. It examines three key thematic issues concerning indigenous peoples’ land rights, including: gender, indigenous and community conserved areas, and climate change and REDD+. Read the call for comments … Download the draft study [pdf] …

NUNAVUT, CANADA: Inuit knowledge and culture have played major roles in the design and function of the $142 million High Arctic Research Station planned for Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Montreal architect Alain Fournier told community members that the design team considered Inuit culture and philosophy in almost every aspect. An outdoor space recalling a Qaggiq, a massive communal igloo, will welcome guests to the station. Fournier said every detail was influenced by people who know the land the best. “For instance, all the main entrances are located in such a way that they are scoured by the wind so snow won’t accumulate. It’s common sense, but it’s common sense based on tradition.” “Having traditional knowledge incorporated in the facility is the most important thing. For youth, it will be an opportunity of identity, [to] know who they are,” said community member Bernice Lyall. Read the article …

ALTA, NORWAY: The Sámi Parliament of Norway is hosting the Global Indigenous Preparatory Conference for the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (the Áltá 2013 conference), to be held in Áltá, Norway, from 8 – 13 June 2013. The Preparatory Conference is organized in cooperation with the Global Indigenous Coordination Group for the World Conference. The conference is expected to endorse the Alta declaration with recommendations for the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP), to be held from 23-24 September 2014, at the UN Headquarters, in New York. Read the article … Visit the WCIP 2014 webpage … Download the draft Alta declaration [pdf] …

Organized by UNESCO, this high-level conference will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is considered to be a strategic opportunity to discuss the intentions of its framers, to identify its achievements thus far and to define priorities for the future. Scientific and legal experts and States Parties officials will participate in a series of plenary round-table panels seeking, focusing particularly on the challenges facing the Convention today, including: achievements of the Convention – changing the discourse of ICH and implanting new concepts; inventorying and listing; parallel universes – intellectual property, world heritage and cultural goods and services; and safeguarding experiences in the States Parties. Further information, including links to meeting documents …