The global drive to reach net-zero emissions has largely been spearheaded by technological innovation and policy shifts in industrialised contexts. However, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), rooted in generations of land stewardship and cultural practices, act as essential, scalable, and culturally grounded roadmaps for climate mitigation and adaptation. Indigenous communities, who manage approximately 40% of the world’s remaining intact ecosystems, hold invaluable ecological knowledge that adds enrichment to modern approaches aimed at achieving net-zero. Embracing IKS not only enhances environmental outcomes but also upholds social justice and cultural resilience, driving a more holistic and equitable global net-zero agenda.
What are Indigenous Knowledge Systems and why do they matter?
Indigenous Knowledge Systems can be defined as the cumulative body of knowledge, practices, beliefs, and innovations developed by Indigenous peoples through direct interaction with their environments over generations. It embodies an intimate understanding of biodiversity, sustainable resource usage, fire management, water conservation, and habitat restoration. Core aspects include:
- Land stewardship that conserves biodiversity and enhances carbon sequestration through traditional methods like agroforestry, rotational farming, and controlled burns
- Adaptive approaches, specific to local ecological conditions, allow for resilience to climate variability and extreme weather events
- Spiritual and cultural connections that create a strong sense of responsibility toward ecosystems and future generations
Integrating IKS in the net-zero agenda goes beyond token inclusion; it refocuses mitigation and adaptation by placing ecosystem integrity, cultural values, and community wellbeing at the centre.
How does Indigenous Knowledge strengthen climate mitigation and adaptation?
- Ecologically informed land use: Indigenous knowledge-guided natural fire regimes improve soil fertility and prevent catastrophic wildfires, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote overall ecosystem health.
For example: Indigenous ranger groups in Northern Australia, like the West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement project, use early-season controlled burns to prevent late-season wildfires, cutting emissions by over 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. - Carbon-rich landscapes: Traditional agroforestry and forest preservation practices help retain high carbon stocks while also supporting food security and livelihoods.
For example: The Suruí Forest Carbon Project in Brazil combines Indigenous forest stewardship with carbon markets, protecting 248,000 hectares and generating verified carbon credits. - Water stewardship: Indigenous water management optimises the availability and quality of water, essential for climate resilience in drought-prone landscapes.
For example: The Māori co-manage the Waikato River in New Zealand under a legal framework that recognises the river as a living entity, prioritising its health and water quality. - Biodiversity conservation: Indigenous territories serve as biodiversity hotspots, acting as critical safeguards for maintaining ecosystem services underpinning climate stability.
For example: The Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation created the 26,000 km² Thaidene Nëné protected area in Canada, safeguarding boreal forest and key wildlife habitats. - Community-led governance: Indigenous self-determination facilitates inclusive decision-making, guaranteeing sustainable outcomes adhere to local values.
For example: Kenya’s Northern Rangelands Trust unites over 40 community conservancies, balancing conservation goals with local livelihoods across 42,000 km². - Cross-sector partnerships: Collaboration among Indigenous peoples, governments, scientists, and corporations accelerates interactive co-creation of climate solutions combining traditional knowledge and modern science.
For example: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) integrates Indigenous knowledge into global biodiversity assessments and policy advice
How can Strategy&Ops support integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems in net-zero strategies?
- Developing frameworks that respect Indigenous rights and knowledge but also align with international climate targets
- Facilitating inclusive dialogues and partnership-building among Indigenous peoples, policymakers, businesses, and scientists
- Mobilising resources for Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable development projects that aim for both climate and social benefits
- Designing measurement and reporting tools that integrate qualitative Indigenous metrics with scientific indicators
- Informing policy reforms and funding structures that facilitate Indigenous stewardship and knowledge sovereignty
Indigenous Knowledge Systems offer a transformative and culturally appropriate roadmap for the global net-zero transition. For organisations committed to the development of equity and environmental integrity via integrative climate strategies, contact Strategy&Ops at info@strategyandops.net to co-develop inclusive, knowledge-driven net-zero solutions that deliver enduring impact.
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References
Forest Trends (n.d.) The Suruí Forest Carbon Project. Available at: https://www.forest-trends.org/publications/the-surui-forest-carbon-project/
Green, L. J. F. (2007) The Indigenous Knowledge Systems Policy of 2004: Challenges for South African Universities. Social Dynamics, 33(1), pp. 130–154. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/4387044/South_Africa_s_Indigenous_Knowledge_Policy_of_2004_Challenges_for_the_Postcolonial_University
Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Global Knowledge Cooperation (n.d.) IDOS – German Institute of Development and Sustainability. Available at: https://www.idos-research.de/en/the-current-column/article/harnessing-indigenous-knowledge-systems-for-global-knowledge-cooperation/
Indigenous Knowledge — an overview (n.d.) ScienceDirect Topics. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/indigenous-knowledge
Indigenous knowledge systems, situated and contextual learning: unlocking collective human digital capabilities and competencies for Global South communities in the digital era (n.d.) Wits University. Available at: https://www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-university/research/tayarisha/documents/indigenous-knowledge-systems_paper153.pdf
IPBES (n.d.) Indigenous and local knowledge. Available at: https://ipbes.net/indigenous-local-knowledge
Leveridge, A. N. (2024) Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Their Role in Communication, in Communication Strategies: Effective Practices for Natural Resource Professionals. BCcampus. Available at: https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/communicationstrategies/chapter/indigenous-knowledge-systems-and-their-role-in-communication/
Nature Conservancy (n.d.) Savanna burning program: Indigenous-led fire management. Available at: https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/land-and-water/land-and-water-stories/savanna-burning/
Northern Rangelands Trust (n.d.) Who we are. Available at: https://www.nrt-kenya.org/
Parks Canada (n.d.) Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Available at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nt/thaidene-nene
South Africa. Department of Science and Innovation (2008) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy. Pretoria: Government. Available at: https://www.dsti.gov.za/images/pdfs/IKS_Policy%20PDF.pdf
Waikato River Authority (n.d.) About the Waikato River Authority. Available at: https://www.waikatoriver.org.nz/ What Does Indigenous Knowledge Mean? (n.d.) Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. Available at: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/what-does-indigenous-knowledge-mean