Embedding Indigenous knowledge in the conservation and restoration of landscapes
This report explores how embedding Indigenous knowledge in landscape conservation and restoration projects can enhance environmental outcomes. It emphasises the importance of involving Indigenous peoples as rights-holders, respecting their cultural responsibilities, and using their long-term knowledge systems to improve ecological health. The report also outlines principles for investors to engage Indigenous leadership, promoting projects that support ecosystem-wide sustainability and resilience.
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OVERVIEW
Introduction: On nature, voice, and representation
The report highlights the importance of recognising Indigenous peoples’ perspectives in conservation and restoration projects. Indigenous knowledge offers critical insights for sustainable environmental management. It emphasises that separating nature from society is a flawed approach and that investments incorporating Indigenous leadership are more likely to succeed due to their holistic understanding of ecosystems.
Engaging with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledge: Challenges and gaps
Investors face several complexities when engaging with Indigenous communities. These include power imbalances, where structural inequalities benefit investors more than Indigenous peoples. Additionally, trust building is crucial but time-intensive, requiring a commitment from investors to foster genuine relationships over time. Knowledge transfer can be difficult due to the depth and sacredness of Indigenous practices. Respecting these complexities is key to successful partnerships.
Gender roles and cultural responsibilities also play significant parts in how Indigenous peoples engage in conservation efforts. Traditional roles, such as “men’s business” and “women’s business,” dictate how knowledge is shared and must be respected. Finally, investors must be mindful of the cultural load placed on Indigenous communities when asked to contribute to projects, ensuring appropriate compensation for their time and knowledge.
New models for embedding Indigenous knowledge and leadership
The report outlines a range of investment models that embed Indigenous knowledge and leadership into conservation projects. Effective conservation requires relational obligation, where the ecosystem’s interdependencies are considered, and multigenerational responsibility, which ensures that knowledge is preserved for future generations. Investors are advised to prioritise long-term outcomes over immediate gains, balancing speed, scale, and quality in their projects.
The ALIVE framework is crucial here:
- Acknowledgment involves recognising the central role of Indigenous peoples and landscapes in project design.
- Leadership calls for empowering Indigenous communities to lead in decision-making processes.
- Insights stress the importance of deep listening to Indigenous perspectives before designing projects.
- Value recommends projects that deliver long-term ecosystem benefits rather than short-term investor returns.
- Expertise requires recognising and compensating Indigenous communities for their cultural knowledge and participation.
Recommendations for investors
To achieve successful, sustainable outcomes, the report advises investors to embed the ALIVE framework across project lifecycles. They should:
- Integrate relational obligation to ensure holistic ecosystem sustainability.
- Focus on multigenerational responsibility to secure long-term preservation of knowledge.
- Prioritise quality over speed and scale, especially in landscape restoration.
- Modify reporting requirements to reduce administrative burdens on Indigenous communities and tie progress to significant ecological events, rather than fixed timelines.
Things to learn
Actions to take
ESG issues
Finance relevance
RELATED TAGS
- climate resilience
- community collaboration
- conservation
- cultural stewardship
- ecological restoration
- ecosystem management
- environmental sustainability
- Global Nature Positive Summit Day 1
- Indigenous knowledge
- Indigenous rights
- land restoration
- long-term sustainability
- nature based solutions
- stakeholder engagement
- sustainable finance