Indigenous peoples and other local populations are vital and active parts of many ecosystems. Indigenous peoples are actors in terms of global climate change monitoring, adaptation and innovation.
Biodiversity is central to indigenous environmental management and livelihoods. Climate change itself threatens biodiversity. Simultaneously it removes the major defence that indigenous people have against variation and change. Their primary tool for adaptation is at risk.
People living in delicate environments are often politically and economically marginalized. Despite direct influence caused by climate change, indigenous peoples are only rarely considered in academic, policy and public discourses on this topic.
Indigenous peoples need the support of the international community to continue their role as traditional caretakers of different type of ecosystems.
Arctic region
Norwegian identity is closely linked to polar areas. Norway has a particular responsibility for the Svalbard archipelago – this northernmost part of Norway - and the adjacent sea areas. Arctic climate change will alter the flora and fauna of the region. This will have serious consequences, particularly for indigenous peoples.
Preserving ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of resources are core principles of all Norwegian legislation and policy in this area.
The Arctic is home to numerous Indigenous Peoples whose cultures and activities are shaped by the Arctic environment. These people have interacted with their environment over generations through careful observations and skilful adjustments in traditional food-harvesting activities and lifestyles. Indigenous peoples have developed uniquely insightful ways of observing, interpreting, and responding to the impacts of environmental changes.
Indigenous peoples depend on fishing, hunting and reindeer herding, not only for food and economy, but also as the basis for cultural and social identity. Changes in species diversity (?) and availability of and access to these species represent serious challenges, and possibly even the survival of some cultures.
Compiling indigenous knowledge from across the Arctic, a number of changes are recorded: Sea ice is less stable, unusual weather patterns are occurring, vegetation cover is changing, and particular animals are no longer found in traditional hunting areas during specific seasons. The Arctic is becoming an environment at risk. Indigenous communities are facing major economic and cultural impacts.
Currently climate change occurs faster than users can adapt.
- The ILO-convention no.169 states that national governments are obliged to consult indigenous peoples in questions relevant to their livelihoods.
- UN adopted September 2007 the Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Sámi
The indigenous people of northern Europe – the Sámi People – live in Norway, Sweden Finland and Russia. Some of them are reindeer herders. Their herding practices, ancient in origin, are based on generations of experience accumulated, developed and adapted to the climatic and administrative systems of the north.
Increases in temperature and precipitation and changes in the timing of the seasons affect Sámi reindeer herding in numerous ways. Increase in melting snow, frequency of rain and fluctuating temperatures result in the formation of ice-crust layers. That makes forage less accessible and reduces traditional pasture areas.
- The Norwegian government consults The Sámi Council in questions, among many, related to natural resources, preservation ofenvironments, agriculture, energy and culture.
- The Norwegian government collaborates with Sámi experts on research connected to indigenous knowledge.