Empowering Indigenous Voices in Environmental Decision-Making
UN Nature Conference|Pirita Näkkäläjärvi believes that indigenous peoples have a lot to offer in solving issues related to biodiversity loss and climate change.
Historic Decision at the UN Nature Conference
Chairperson of the Saami Parliament, Pirita Näkkäläjärvi, considers the decision at the UN Nature Conference to establish permanent representation for indigenous peoples in future meetings as a historic milestone. She told STT that this decision ensures indigenous representation in the implementation of the biodiversity agreement.
Preserving Traditional Knowledge
Näkkäläjärvi emphasized the importance of incorporating traditional indigenous knowledge into decision-making processes.
Pirita Näkkäläjärvi
“We believe that we have much to offer in solving these issues related to biodiversity loss and climate change,” Näkkäläjärvi stated.
She highlighted that indigenous peoples have preserved traditional knowledge for a long time, which is connected to the environment of each community. This knowledge is maintained because conservation of nature, lands, and waters is highly significant in these cultures.
“It is often said that indigenous peoples have preserved 80% of the world’s biodiversity,” Näkkäläjärvi added.
Future Steps for Indigenous Representation
Näkkäläjärvi mentioned that the practical arrangements for permanent indigenous representation are not yet determined. She noted that the Saami people are generally a crucial part of the global indigenous community.
Representing the Saami Parliament at the UN COP16 Nature Conference in Cali, Colombia, was international affairs secretary Inka-Saara Arttijeff.
Securing Green Financing for Indigenous Communities
Näkkäläjärvi emphasized the importance of ensuring direct “green financing” for indigenous communities worldwide to strengthen their self-determination in environmental matters.
As a former business consultant, she acknowledged that there is a significant amount of money circulating globally around the green transition and sustainability, but only a small portion reaches indigenous peoples, such as the Saami.
“We live in an environment where climate change and biodiversity loss are not distant reports but part of everyday life. Here, for example, the climate warms three to four times faster than the global average. And significant changes are constantly happening in nature. We have been in tremendous upheaval, especially in the last five years,” Näkkäläjärvi explained.
Conclusion
Empowering indigenous voices in environmental decision-making is crucial for addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. By incorporating traditional knowledge and ensuring direct funding for indigenous communities, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
FAQs
What was the significance of the decision at the UN Nature Conference for indigenous peoples?
The decision to establish permanent representation for indigenous peoples in future meetings is seen as a historic milestone, ensuring their involvement in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Why is traditional knowledge important in environmental decision-making?
Traditional knowledge held by indigenous communities is valuable for understanding and protecting the environment, as these communities have preserved a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity.