CBD COP11: Climate change is a critical issue for indigenous peoples

CBD COP11: Climate change is a critical issue for indigenous peoples

CBD COP11 (9/10/2012) – Lucia Fernanda Jofej Kaingang, executive director of INBRAPI, argues that indigenous people must be included in the UN’s environmental negotiations as their lands are heavily affected by environmental challenges – particularly climate change.

Kaingang notes that much of the time indigenous people do the actual work of conservation that is outlined in UN policy, so their inclusion is vital. She was particularly dismayed by the lack of consideration for indigenous peoples in the outcome of the Rio+20 Earth Summit earlier this year.

At home in Brazil, Kaingang sees it vital to establish a meaningful dialogue between government, industry, universities and indigenous people about strategic plans for conservation.