By Danielle Swain in Baku
As developing nations hold a collective breath on the New Climate Finance Goal at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, a profound message reverberated: “Take what you need and leave the rest for future generations.”
These words, spoken by Michael Williams, Toshao of Annai in Guyana’s North Rupununi region, captured the purpose of the high-level Commonwealth event that celebrated the success of the Iwokrama Forest and underscored the indispensable role of Indigenous knowledge in combating climate change.
The event, titled “Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems in Climate Action: Delivering Together a Resilient Future for All,” was co-hosted by Namibia, Seychelles, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
It featured the premiere of a short film produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development. The film, “Take Only What You Need: The Success Story of the Iwokrama Forest,” highlighted how the integration of Indigenous wisdom with modern science can foster sustainable livelihoods and economies.
Michael Williams, the Chairman of the North Rupununi District Development Board, in the short film
Iwokrama: A Sustainable Stewardship Model
The Iwokrama Forest, a 371,000-hectare expanse of pristine rainforest in Guyana, is an example of the power of sustainable management led by Indigenous communities. Since its establishment in 1996, the forest has been co-managed by the Iwokrama International Centre and the Indigenous Makushi people, creating a unique model that balances conservation with community development.
Unveiling the film, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, emphasized the critical role Indigenous Peoples play in addressing the climate crisis. “The incredible progress of the last 200 years has come at an unsustainable cost,” she said. “For a viable future, we need to acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples have managed their societies more sustainably. Justice, empowerment, and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples will unlock a genuinely prosperous future for us all.”
Indigenous Voices
Sonia Latchman, Vice Chair of the National Toshaos Council in Guyana, spoke passionately about the Iwokrama model. “In Guyana, we have the solution to the climate crisis, and we have a very good model for other countries to follow,” she said.
Sonia Latchman, Vice Chair of the National Toshaos Council
“Indigenous Peoples are very important. Our voices must be heard, our rights respected, and we must be invited to the table.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Anita Soina, a Maasai environmentalist from Kenya.
Highlighting the significance of preserving Indigenous knowledge, Sonia remarked, “Science borrows a lot from Indigenous knowledge but doesn’t acknowledge the same. Most of the time Indigenous knowledge is not really acknowledged, but we have witnessed the importance of knowledge from our elders. Because of globalization, we are losing our culture and our knowledge. It’s important that young people are inculcated with this knowledge, and we need a lot of support for Indigenous and locally led projects so that it can continue to motivate.”
Integrating Wisdom with Action
Historically, Indigenous Peoples and local communities have been marginalized in global climate negotiations, despite their deep-rooted connection to and understanding of the natural world. This exclusion has led to the under-utilization of invaluable knowledge systems that could significantly enhance climate resilience and adaptation strategies.
The Commonwealth’s 2022 Living Lands Charter aims to change that narrative by accelerating integrated and sustainable land management, aligning with international conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation. The charter emphasizes an all-of-society approach, respecting and honoring the knowledge that Indigenous communities bring to the table.
Looking Forward
As COP29 draws to a close, participants stressed the urgency of embedding Indigenous wisdom into global climate action. Vanessa Benn, Stakeholder Coordinator of the LCDS and Project Coordinator, Iwokrama International Centre shared the future means not focusing on success but value and continuing Iwokrama’s vital work, especially in Indigenous knowledge integration for a better world.
“There is need for work to continue to help to inform policies, to help to support the livelihoods of our Indigenous Peoples, to help to build capacity, to help to continue the networking of researchers and Indigenous Peoples.” Benn underlined.
Benn highlighted a key collaboration for Iwokrama was work with Fiji National University.
Fiji also a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), worked with Iwokrama on the areas of adaptation, mitigation and building education across Guyana. not to focus of the Climate Finance Access Hub, summarized the event’s key takeaways: promoting local and Indigenous leadership, documenting and sharing knowledge systems, simplifying access to climate finance for Indigenous Peoples, and integrating traditional practices into conservation efforts.
The event also highlighted the launch of the Forest Carbon Toolkit, which provides a roadmap for accessing funding through the voluntary carbon market while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
A Collective Responsibility
The resounding message from COP29 is clear: addressing the climate crisis requires the collective wisdom of all societies, especially those who have stewarded the Earth’s resources for generations. The Iwokrama Forest stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when Indigenous knowledge is respected and integrated into global efforts.
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