Indigenous Science Diplomacy

How Indigenous Science Diplomacy operates?

We operate on multiple levels:

Indigenous Diplomacy for Indigenous Science: Indigenous members engage as diplomatic actors alongside nation-states. They have a sit on the table of negotiations as key actors and not mere participants.
Indigenous Science in Indigenous Diplomacy: Indigenous science is used to inform policy and practice. International agreements for biodiversity monitoring must include and respect Indigenous methods.
Indigenous Science for Indigenous Diplomacy: Research and scientific collaboration benefit Indigenous communities thereby supporting diplomacy through science.

Our approach helps to ensure that Indigenous knowledge, science and perspectives are part of solving common problems like climate change, environmental monitoring, and resource management, while fostering constructive international partnerships that respect Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Applications of Indigenous Science Diplomacy in global environmental policy and practice fora

Indigenous Science Diplomacy can be applied in various contexts. For example:

Environment: Indigenous knowledge on ecosystems can inform climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Health: Traditional medicinal practices can counterpart modern healthcare approaches.
Conflict Resolution: Indigenous diplomatic traditions can offer alternative methods for settling disputes and reaching agreements.
Sustainability: Indigenous perspectives on sustainability can enhance global efforts such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Key ways Indigenous Science contributes to global diplomacy efforts

We work following Indigenous diplomatic traditions since they can offer alternative methods for settling disputes and reaching agreements between nations.
We advocate for the recognition of Indigenous Science in scientific and policy contexts. Our focus is on evidence-based collaboration for inclusive solutions in international relations and environmental management, emphasising practical application of Indigenous Diplomacy rather than political activism.
We provide science-based evidence to inform global environmental and climate policy. We work towards long-term solutions through sustained engagement than can lead to more durable outcomes and systemic changes over time
We work with a deep respect and understanding of different cultural contexts to navigate complex international relationships. Cultural sensitivity is crucial for us when building trust and achieving results in global settings.
We emphasise building and managing relationships between communities and states. It involves acknowledging Indigenous sciences, recognising cultural differences and finding common ground through negotiation and compromise.
Through Indigenous Science Diplomacy, we aim fostering international scientific collaboration and governance, facilitating knowledge exchange and practices between Indigenous communities across national borders.

Challenges and Opportunities

Indigenous Science Diplomacy offers significant potential, but it faces systemic challenges:

Overcoming historical mistrust between Indigenous communities and state actors
Addressing power imbalances in scientific and diplomatic institutions
Protecting Indigenous intellectual property rights

However, it also presents opportunities for:

Enhancing global scientific cooperation
Developing more holistic and sustainable solutions to global challenges
Empowering Indigenous communities in international decision-making processes

How Indigenous Knowledge have influenced international agreements in the past?

Indigenous Knowledge systems have significantly influenced international agreements in several key ways:

Recognition of Indigenous rights: International agreements now increasingly recognise the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional knowledge and practices. For example, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirms their right to maintain and strengthen their distinct cultural institutions and traditions.
Protection of Indigenous Knowledge: Treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity include provisions to protect and promote Indigenous knowledge related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. This recognises the value of Indigenous Knowledge in environmental management.
Informed consent requirements: Some agreements now require obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent from Indigenous communities before accessing or using their knowledge or genetic resources. This helps prevent exploitation and ensures Indigenous Peoples benefit from the use of their Indigenous Knowledge.
Benefit-sharing mechanisms: International frameworks like the Nagoya Protocol establish requirements for equitably sharing benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge with Indigenous communities.
Climate change policy: Indigenous Knowledge systems are increasingly recognised as valuable for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in international climate agreements.
Biodiversity conservation: The knowledge of Indigenous Peoples is now seen as crucial for biodiversity conservation efforts in international environmental agreements such as the adoption of a new Programme of Work on Article 8(j) at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP 16 in 2024. This agreement specifically commits to embedding the knowledge, rights, and roles of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in global biodiversity conservation efforts.
Cultural heritage protection: UNESCO conventions now recognise intangible cultural heritage, including Indigenous Knowledge systems, as worthy of safeguarding such as the Wixarika Route in Mexico.
Diplomatic participation: Indigenous representatives are increasingly included in international negotiations and bodies like the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, allowing direct input into agreements.
Repatriation of cultural artifacts: Some agreements now address the return of cultural objects and ancestral remains to Indigenous communities.
Research ethics: International scientific bodies have developed guidelines for ethical research involving Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge.

While challenges remain in fully incorporating Indigenous perspectives into international diplomacy, there is a growing trend towards recognising the value and rights associated with Indigenous knowledge systems in global agreements and policies.