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Coordinators
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 Moki Kokoris Chapter
Coordinator-in-Chief
Department of Public Information
Representative for the World Federation
of Ukrainian Womens Organizations
Contact Information: 600 Barrack Hill
Road, Ridgefield CT 06877
Moki@cloud9.net .
Stephen Sachs - Coordinating
Editor of Indigenous Policy (at:
www.indigenouspolicy.org )Contact Information: Professor Emeritus
of Political Science, IUPUI, 1916 San
Pedro Dr. NE , Albuquerque , NM 87110
ssachs@earthlink.net, (505)265-9388. |
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The
Issue
Even though indigenous peoples
contribute little to the anthropogenic
causes of climate change, it is they who
are among the first to face its
consequences because their lifestyles
are directly dependent on their
environment and its resources. Climate
change poses threats and dangers to the
survival of indigenous communities
worldwide, and yet, it should be noted
that because indigenous peoples are
active in the ecosystems of their lands
and territories, their traditional
knowledge is therefore critical in
finding creative solutions which may
help society as a whole to cope with the
impending changes.
In order for the world community to hear
their wisdom, it is crucial that these
all too often marginalized groups not
only be given an equal voice but also a
seat at the same table where these
matters are discussed. This will foster
solidarity with the world at large and
provide a receptive atmosphere for
development of the most unique solutions
for the benefit of one and all.
OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of this declaration
mandated report, specifically this
chapter, are to create and provide a
collaborative vehicle to:
Assess critical risks to indigenous
communities, focusing on economic,
social, environmental and security
issues, and to establish needs and
priorities for information and action;
Assess the specific vulnerabilities of
individual local indigenous community
infrastructures, to develop an action
plan with suitable options, and to
incorporate climate considerations in
future infrastructure planning;
Stimulate debate and encourage
indigenous peoples, small island
communities, and other aboriginal groups
living in vulnerable environments to
collect, document and share their
observations and experiences of climate
change impacts, as well as their efforts
to cope and adapt to sea level rise,
climate variability, the increased
intensity and frequency of extreme
climatic events, accelerated melting of
circumpolar or high altitude snow and
ice, and other climate change related
events;
Present them in a manner that will be
effectively heard by governments and
organizations involved in
decision-making in those regions;
Work with aboriginal leaders and
organizations to develop options and
plans for addressing the cultural and
social impact of climate change and
assist in identifying adaptation
solutions, resources and tools available
to them.
Review existing policies and
legislation, including land claims and
implementation plans, as well as
indigenous dimensions of international
initiatives, to identify major gaps and
options for addressing climate change
policies;
Raise awareness, and develop and
disseminate information and knowledge on
climate change impacts affecting
indigenous communities in the context of
overconsumption of resources
(particularly energy, food and water)
and their rising scarcity, compounded by
excessive population growth and other
related environmental changes;
Develop local capability to plan and
implement adaptation in diverse sectors
of community management in a manner that
increases overall adaptive capacity and
resiliency to climate change impacts.
Develop management frameworks to
integrate adaptation in policy,
planning, and decision-making.
Assist in developing strategies to
legally contest invasion of indigenous
lands for the purposes of exploitation
resulting from resource scarcity.. |
