Written by Victoria Liptakova - Editor: Anastasia Eginoglou
Many sources describe Indigenous people as tribal people, who hold a natural and historical connection to their land, speak their own language, have different social, political and economic rules and nurture a different culture from other locals in the society. Currently, they live in 90 countries around the world but are prone to living in incredible poverty. Such poor communities feel climate change the most and have fewer resources to cope with natural disasters. Indigenous people are hardly ever fairly politically represented and end up often overlooked when it comes to important decisions, especially about their land.
However, several university studies have discovered that Indigenous people possess and use their inherited knowledge to prepare for, adapt to, and resist these challenges. It has been reported that a combination of scientific facts with Indigenous beliefs, practices and insights, helps with adaptation to climate change. This knowledge is dynamic, gathered from history, traditions and customs, and passed down from generation to generation. This understanding had an impact even on global organisations like UNESCO.
By observing animals even as small as insects, monitoring the behaviour of water units and paying attention to weather phenomena, Indigenous people are able to plan ahead of time for violent storms, floods, droughts and even their important social activities, for example, weddings.
Numerous communities have been seen taking notice of natural changes around them, specific to their location. For example in the Philippines, if crabs walk on dry land, a typhoon is on its way. If frogs make a lot of noise and dragonflies fly low in Vietnam, heavy rains can be expected, while in Vanuatu this is signed by the appearance of a specific seaworm. In Ethiopia, dry wind and fog indicate drought, while in Kenya it is a combination of ducks bathing in the sand with an approach of dark clouds.
Some Indigenous communities depend more heavily on their forecasting skills than others. A radio or official weather news access can play a decisive role here. Some groups have such availability of various sources, but many times distrust them, as their own predictions are often of the same quality. Additionally, this doubtfulness towards authorities brings up and strengthens their faith in God. Indigenous people are very religious and believe environmental challenges to be acts of a deity.
Let us dive into the specifics of how Indigenous knowledge affects agriculture. Nowadays, Indigenous farmers choose alternative, more resilient crops. In Tanzania, for example, coffee was replaced by fruits and vegetables, while many Asian communities plant more traditional rice varieties to endure severe weather conditions. This means that even sowing and harvesting schedules must have been shifted.
Farming methods have changed too - it is probably no surprise that ox ploughs were replaced by tractors. But while some of their agriculture practices have transformed, storage methods of crops stay almost the same. Indigenous people use natural preservatives and traditional facilities to keep their food safe.
Because of global warming, even Inuit hunters in the Arctic had to adjust their hunting planning, the vehicles they use for transportation on ice and snow, and develop a support system of food trade in local areas so no one goes hungry. If a seasonal supply of pasture is low, many Indigenous herders are forced to seasonally or permanently migrate. Their weak livestock are killed for meat, huge animals are replaced by smaller ones to save on feed and water, or they usually sell the livestock if a climate shock strikes. Fishers in the Philippines decided to make traps from plastic bottles and not fish on Tuesdays and Fridays in order to better control fishing in general. Numerous wells have been cleaned or built, in Pacific Island countries to protect water reserves and drinking resources during droughts.
Lastly, plants and herbs are valued as medicine material. Traditional recipes are used on people with skin diseases, headaches, stomach troubles or fever. Some types of Indigenous medicine are even given to domestic animals to overcome or prevent similar health problems. And in Vietnam, a bath with certain herbs helps cool down during heat waves. As aforementioned, Indigenous people live mostly in poorer conditions and for that reason, such medicine can be sold for additional income. However, not only medicine can help with the financial situation. Many sell firewood, and hand-made products or rent out authentic services.
A proper combination of this wisdom and scientific facts could become a game-changer for environmental catastrophes. While discovering more and combining it with science, we should not forget that Indigenous knowledge changes with each region and each tribe. Everyone has their unique insights and customs, that are used to sustain climate change. Although many understand what should be done theoretically, the practical part is still lacking today. “Western” science should recognize and treat Indigenous people as equals, listen to them and learn from them so that eventually, the entire world could seize the benefits of the collaboration.
And what can we as individuals do to better the situation? Firstly, we can spread the word: Social media is a powerful tool in information distribution. Younger generations are not only active online, but often contribute to environmental initiatives and tend to be vocal about their perspectives, opinions and criticism. If educated well, strong cause advocates can be created all around the globe. The movement needs to help with the inclusion of Indigenous people in crucial political decisions, where they could present their stand, disclose climate struggles and explain adaptation ideas. Government investments in agriculture, human resources and infrastructure could boost resilience and reduce vulnerability for everyone in a country.
Another important step is involving major companies and stakeholders. Numerous businesses hold enormous power over regions and in various decision-making processes. Collaboration with tribal people should be introduced as a way towards sustainable solutions for sustaining business activities because if the Earth suffers, money flow will suffer as well. The climate crisis is real, and adaptation is no longer a choice - it’s a necessity. By valuing Indigenous knowledge, we can build a more sustainable future together.
References:
Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. “Indigenous Peoples - Glossary.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org/en/glossary/275.
Nalau, Johanna, et al. “The Role of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: A Review of the Literature and Case Studies from the Pacific Islands.” Weather, Climate, and Society, vol. 10, no. 4, 1 Oct. 2018, pp. 851–865, https://doi.org/10.1175/wcas-d-18-0032.1.
Tashi Dorji, et al. “Understanding How Indigenous Knowledge Contributes to Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: A Systematic Literature Review.” Environmental Management, vol. 74, 31 Aug. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-024-02032-x.
United Nations. “Indigenous Peoples.” United Nations, www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples.