Working With Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives

The document argues that while governments and civil society commit to Indigenous rights, these are not always reflected in practice. It advocates for a collaborative approach based on reciprocity, transparency, and the recognition of Indigenous science to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

• The document identifies a gap between official commitments to Indigenous rights and their actual implementation, stating that the necessary approach involves working with Indigenous Knowledge Holders through fairness, ethics, transparency, and reciprocity.
• To ensure sustainable and successful nature and climate projects, the brief recommends building meaningful relationships, respecting Indigenous rights and culture, treating Indigenous women as equal partners, and promoting direct access to funding.
• Nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies are often based on Indigenous Knowledge systems that have developed over thousands of years and continue into the present.

APA

Ou,, V. L. E. R. M. R. (2026). Working With Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/indigenous-knowledge-holders-climate-nature-initiatives

Chicago

Ou,, Veronica Lo,Georgia Exell,Graeme Reed,Erin Myers,Tiffanie Rainville,Wanli. Working With Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/indigenous-knowledge-holders-climate-nature-initiatives.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ou, |first1=Veronica Lo,Georgia Exell,Graeme Reed,Erin Myers,Tiffanie Rainville,Wanli |title=Working With Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2 February 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/indigenous-knowledge-holders-climate-nature-initiatives |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ou2026working, author = {Ou,, Veronica Lo,Georgia Exell,Graeme Reed,Erin Myers,Tiffanie Rainville,Wanli}, title = {{Working With Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = feb, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/indigenous-knowledge-holders-climate-nature-initiatives}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }