International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
By UNESCO LINKS
Graphic Design by Camila Jativa
Image courtesy of Sturla Brørs
Image courtesy of Sturla Brørs
As the world grapples with the relentless push of biodiversity loss and climate change, young Indigenous leaders are rising, fortified by centuries of wisdom passed down from their elders, their lived experiences and their profound connections to the land and the sea. They are uniquely positioned to confront these global challenges, armed with traditional knowledge and deep-rooted values that emphasize harmony, balance and sustainability.
To celebrate the 2023 International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples on 9 August, the BES-Net consortium of UNESCO, UNDP and UNEP-WCMC talked to Indigenous youth from Colombia, Kenya, Thailand, Fiji and Norway to amplify their powerful voices focusing on this year's theme, "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination", in relation to pressing challenges of biodiversity loss.
The BES-Net team recognizes the critical role Indigenous youth play in exercising their right to self-determination, especially as agents of change on the frontlines of global crises.
Through three questions, we explored their deep connection with the land, ocean and biodiversity, shedding light on the profound importance of their knowledge and intergenerational transmission.
Image courtesy of Kamonwan Phomduang
Image courtesy of Kamonwan Phomduang
The teachings and examples from elders made me understand the simple way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation. Words like "Take enough for use, use whatever we have” become inspiration in tackling the problems of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Image courtesy of Brigitte Escobar Piaguaje
Image courtesy of Brigitte Escobar Piaguaje
We understand that the territory is our first home, the place where our ancestors lived, where resides our identity and history that we must safeguard and keep alive in order to exist in time and in space.
Photo by Sara Angelica Spilling
Photo by Sara Angelica Spilling
The world is realizing that a lot of answers we are seeking, the Indigenous communities have had for ages.
Territorial governance was applied and each clan in the community owned a territory where they practiced hunting and gathering of honey and wild berries. As a means to reduce pressure, each clan manages its territory through elders in the community.
Photo by Inoke Rukuni
Photo by Inoke Rukuni
Fijian Culture is so unique; we are born with our own totemic relationship with our natural resources. For instance, my totemic animal is the shark. I’m not allowed to kill any shark because they are out there in the ocean to protect us from danger. When I was little, three sharks came next to our canoe and guided us back home. Upon our arrival, we were informed that someone died in our family.
Photo by Kamonwan Phomduang
Photo by Kamonwan Phomduang
Photo by Mr. Sitthichai Khongsri
Photo by Mr. Sitthichai Khongsri
Image courtesy of OPDP
Image courtesy of OPDP
Image courtesy of OPDP
Image courtesy of OPDP
Photo by Brigitte Escobar
Photo by Brigitte Escobar
Image courtesy of OPDP
Image courtesy of OPDP
Photo by Mr. Sithichai Khongsri
Photo by Mr. Sithichai Khongsri
Photo by Samson Luari
Photo by Samson Luari
Photo by Dr. Narumon Arunotai
Photo by Dr. Narumon Arunotai
Photo by Brigitte Escobar
Photo by Brigitte Escobar
Photo by Taitusi Dradra
Photo by Taitusi Dradra
Built with Shorthand
