Pacific leaders are urging climate experts to acknowledge and integrate indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation strategies. This call was articulated as scientists, global leaders, and adaptation specialists convened at the Adaptation Futures Conference held in Christchurch.
During the conference opening, Maina Talia, Tuvalu’s Environment Minister, highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on his nation, noting that rising sea levels are salinizing freshwater sources and damaging agricultural lands. Talia warned that the situation is alarming and poses a severe economic threat, saying, “This is not just a Tuvaluan problem; it’s a global economic bomb.”
A central theme of the conference is the importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives in climate adaptation efforts. Talia criticized the traditional Western approach to adaptation and called for a “decolonization” of mindsets to foster community-based solutions. He emphasized that climate adaptation should be informed by the collective wisdom of local elders, youth, and women, rather than imposed externally.
The conference also featured insights from Sefanaia Nawadra, director-general of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), who reinforced Talia’s sentiments by explaining that indigenous-led approaches promote ownership over adaptation strategies. “It’s about management by compliance rather than regulation,” he stated, emphasizing collaboration over enforcement.
Cynthia Houniuhi, president of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, noted that indigenous people often bear the frontline impacts of climate change. “Who knows the place better than those who have lived there? Their experiences can inform the best solutions,” she remarked, likening indigenous knowledge to a “cheat code” for effective adaptation.
Youssef Nassef, head of adaptation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, highlighted the disconnect between climate knowledge creation and its accessibility to those most affected. “We create knowledge, but are the people on the frontlines receiving it?” he questioned.
Appendages of hope were visible among Pacific climate activists following a favorable ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Houniuhi, who played a role in the legal campaign leading to the ICJ’s advisory opinion, urged participants at the conference to maintain momentum in implementing the ruling. She stressed the necessity for policy to align with the newly affirmed legal frameworks governing climate responsibility. Furthermore, she expressed optimism that the advisory opinion would serve as a powerful negotiating tool for Pacific leaders at the upcoming COP30 in Brazil.
Overall, the conference represents a vital opportunity for Pacific nations to draw attention to the critical intersection of indigenous knowledge and formal adaptation strategies as they navigate the pressing challenges of climate change. The collective push for recognition of local wisdom serves not only to empower communities but also enhances the broader global response to one of the most formidable challenges of our time.