What can food companies learn about sustainability from Indigenous Peoples’ food systems?

What can food companies learn about sustainability from Indigenous Peoples’ food systems?

Together with the Alliance of Bioversity International and The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the FAO has released a study identifying hundreds of diverse plant and animal species that Indigenous Peoples around the world depend on and care for to generate food sustainably and enhance biodiversity.

The publication maps eight diverse Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, providing insights and details into their unique elements of sustainability and resilience.

Nearly 500 million people in more than 90 countries self-identify as Indigenous Peoples. The study looks at eight Indigenous Peoples’ food systems in the Amazon, Sahel, Himalayas, Pacific Islands and Arctic, documenting their unique capacity to conserve biodiversity and foster resilient food security; calls for recognizing land rights, and traditional practices.

They generate hundreds of food items from the environment without depleting natural resources and achieve high levels of self-sufficiency, according to the report. In the Solomon Islands, for example the Melanesians people combine agroforestry, wild food gathering and fishing to generate 70% of their dietary needs. In Finland’s Arctic region, through fishing, hunting and herding, the Inari Sámi people generate 75% of the protein they consume in a diet characterised by high intakes of fatty fish, red meat (primarily reindeer), fat, blood and organ dishes, wild berries and boiled, unfiltered coffee, and low intakes of cultivated vegetables and fruit, bread, and fibre.

Indigenous Peoples’ food systems analysed in the publication include those belonging to the Baka people in Cameroon, the Inari Sámi people in Finland, the Khasi, Bhotia and Anwal peoples in India, the Melanesians people in the Solomon Islands, the Kel Tamasheq people in Mali, the Tikuna, Cocama and Yagua peoples in Colombia, and the Maya Ch’orti’ in Guatemala. These varied and unique systems combine different food generation techniques like hunting, gathering, fishing, pastoralism and shifting cultivation, the report revealed. Mobile practices, including nomadism, are vital to link food generation and production activities to natural cycles in a resilient way, it noted. Developed over millennia by Indigenous Peoples, such traditions enable habitats to recover and allow ecosystems to replenish themselves and provide fresh, nutritious and diverse foods.

‘Valid and tested contributions’ to make which shouldn’t be ignored

Indigenous Peoples have ‘valid and tested contributions’ to make to sustainability, the report observed, particularly in areas regarding energy use, territorial management, waste included as inputs in the system, fallow practices and ecological management associated with culture and tradition to enable replenishment of the natural resource base. The territorial management practices of Indigenous Peoples are ‘carefully attuned to the ecosystems in which they live’, the report observed. As such, they’ve been able to successfully preserve biodiversity and create sophisticated food systems that generate food for communities for generations.

“Scientists are starting to acknowledge this whilst policymakers have not yet been able to translate this growing awareness into effective policy measures that protect Indigenous Peoples’ practices,”​ the report noted, adding, “there is potential to draw lessons on sustainability from Indigenous Peoples that can be extrapolated to other contexts and communities”.​

It went on to complain that a lack of respect of Indigenous Peoples’ intellectual property rights over their knowledge of plants has been one of the major constraints for Indigenous Peoples to share their knowledge about sustainability with non-indigenous scientists. “The international community needs to address this issue guaranteeing Indigenous Peoples’ rights,” ​it said. “Otherwise, important segments of knowledge and understanding of how nature and biodiversity works, accumulated over generations of observation of the natural cycles and interactions in the ecosystems, will be lost with the passing of the elders and the migration of youth to urban centres.”​

“Being adaptive is the main resilient element of these food systems. Indigenous Peoples adapt their food generation and consumption to the seasonality and natural cycles observed in their surrounding ecosystems, not in the opposite way as most other societies do. Deep observation of the environment accumulated generation after generation and sharp understanding of the relationships between the elements in the ecosystem guarantee the protection of biodiversity,”​ said Anne Nuorgam, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The publication identified the main internal and external drivers affecting Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and affecting their future prospects and continuity as managers of intact ecosystems and stewards of land containing 80 percent of the biodiversity that remains. “Indigenous Peoples’ food systems are game changers if acknowledged and protected, as recent studies have also shown that in several areas zero hunger has been achieved,”​ said Phrang Roy, Founding Chair of NESFAS, based in Shillong, India.

“We need more effective and creative interactions between indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge systems. This is the only way we will achieve the agri-food system transformation that the world needs,”​ added Máximo Torero, FAO Chief Economist.

Sophisticated food systems under threat

However, the report cautioned of increasing threats to these sophisticated food systems. It warned these systems are at high risk from climate change, major infrastructure projects, and the granting of concessions that allow mining, commercial agriculture and logging companies to operate on Indigenous Peoples´ territories.

“Despite surviving for centuries, Indigenous Peoples’ agri-food systems are likely to disappear in the next years due to a number of drivers threatening their future,”​ said Juan Lucas Restrepo, Director General of the Alliance of Bioversity-International and CIAT. Researchers must listen and learn from them to support efforts to maintain ancestral knowledge, he added.

Tetra Tech Recognizes International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2021

Honoring Indigenous peoples around the world and supporting their advancement

Northampton, MA –News Direct– Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is

According to the United Nations (UN), more than 476 million Indigenous peoples live in 90 countries across the world, accounting for 6.2 percent of the global population. Tetra Tech joined the UN Global Compact, which supports UN efforts to end extreme poverty, fight inequality, and address climate change. As part of our commitment to the UN Global Compact, we are celebrating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous peoples.

Tetra Tech is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace for all people. Throughout six of the major regions where we work, we employ, train, learn from, and partner with Indigenous peoples in our projects and operations. We aim to build awareness and understanding within our workforce about Indigenous culture, heritage, and issues in the regions where we work and provide sustainable career and business opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Africa

Fragile political environments, volatile labor markets, and economic and regulatory uncertainty are among the challenges Indigenous peoples of Africa face. Tetra Tech’s long and diverse work history across Africa provides our clients and their communities with a strong partner that delivers comprehensive solutions. Billions of people around the world are dependent on Indigenous lands, and our work supports land rights throughout regions like Africa for the improvement of land governance and resources, property rights, and resilient livelihoods. In the developing world, approximately 70 percent of land is unregistered, leaving millions of households with limited stability and economic growth. Through projects like the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Integrated Land and Resource Governance and Property Rights and Artisanal Diamond Development, we also are improving land rights for women in tribal communities, helping bridge the gender gap and increase their participation in decision-making.

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Asia

For more than 20 years, Tetra Tech has provided sustainable development throughout Asia. We work with communities in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand to develop scalable solutions for their most vulnerable populations. According to Amnesty International, Asia is home to the world’s largest Indigenous population and, like many Indigenous peoples, they face a lack of basic human rights and the exploitation of their natural resources. Our international development services aim to protect Indigenous rights and resources by supporting projects focused on food security, water security, biodiversity conservation, infrastructure, and technology. Our international development experts apply our suite of Tetra Tech Delta technologies to deliver solutions that combine science and engineering to address Indigenous communities' most pressing challenges.

Australia and New Zealand

Tetra Tech has more than 2,000 employees in 60 offices across Australia and New Zealand providing innovative, technical solutions to our clients. We are focused on integrating diversity and inclusion into the work we do with First Nation communities. Our staff approach their work with authenticity, committing to improve the way we conduct business with First Nation communities through cultural recognition, employment, education, and training opportunities. Additionally, we are honoring First Nation individuals of Asia-Pacific with our Reconciliation Action Plans, which commit to reconciliation through collaboration, mutual respect, and a responsibility to take action. Our action includes practicing Acknowledgment of Country when we are working in or with Indigenous communities. When conducting our property development, water, and industrial and remediation services, we work to educate our clients to protect the biodiversity of this region while honoring culture and heritage.

Canada

With nearly 50 years of experience in the provinces and territories, Tetra Tech has unique capabilities in serving the remote and extreme environments of the Yukon and Northern Territories. A major challenge for Indigenous peoples in remote communities is access to basic resources, such as water, transportation, and infrastructure. For First Nation individuals, this can mean shorter life spans caused by chronic health issues and fewer economic opportunities. Our engineering experts have worked with the White River First Nation community in Beaver Creek, Yukon, and the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation to establish sustainable resources. Tetra Tech’s projects also provide opportunities and socioeconomic benefits to Indigenous peoples by partnering with them as subcontractors. We hope to move our relationship with this community forward by integrating our dedication to the Indigenous people of Canada into our operations and procurement practices.

Latin America

Latin America has developed into one of the world’s most dynamic economies, yet large segments of the region’s population have not benefitted from this growth. Poverty persists and social well-being of Indigenous peoples remains among the lowest in the hemisphere. More than a quarter of the region’s Indigenous populations lack access to improved sanitation solutions. Tetra Tech is actively engaged in this region to provide cutting-edge solutions in food security, environment and forest conservation, governance and community development, land rights, and peacebuilding. These projects also offer operations and maintenance training on industry-leading solutions to Indigenous communities, providing transferrable skills. Our dedicated staff even partnered with Engineers Without Borders USA to help establish clean, reliable sources of water in the rural communities of La Reforma and Las Majadas in Guatemala.

United States

Eradicating poverty in Indigenous communities begins with education and opportunities. Throughout the United States, Tetra Tech works to maximize Indigenous peoples’ meaningful employment and business opportunities on our projects as subcontractors and in field, professional, and management positions. On projects like the Chief Joseph Hatchery for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington or the Meacham Creek Floodplain Restoration for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, we are honored to serve as consultants to design solutions that integrate cultural and spiritual values and practices. Additionally, through our award-winning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, our staff had the privilege of inspiring Navajo Nation students to pursue STEM-related careers. We hope to continue working with and inspiring the United States’ Indigenous population.

Learn more about our work with Indigenous peoples around the world and join us in celebrating International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tetra Tech on 3blmedia.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/tetra-tech-recognizes-international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples-2021-914999576

End inequalities, recognize abuses, UN chief says on International Day of Indigenous Peoples

In his message marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the UN chief called for ending the “grievous inequalities” affecting these communities.

Indigenous people worldwide continue to face overwhelming marginalization, discrimination and exclusion.

Respect for the rights of indigenous peoples means ensuring equal and meaningful participation, full inclusion and empowerment.#IndigenousDay — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 9, 2021

‘Profound disparities’

“Indigenous peoples around the world continue to face overwhelming marginalization, discrimination and exclusion,” he said.

“Rooted in colonialism and patriarchy, these profound disparities are sustained by a deeply held resistance to recognizing and respecting the rights, dignity, and freedoms of indigenous peoples.”

There are more than 476 million indigenous living in some 90 countries worldwide, representing just over six per cent of the global population.

They have a special relationship with their lands and reflect a vast diversity of unique cultures, traditions, languages and knowledge systems.

Bitter history

The Secretary-General recalled that throughout modern history, indigenous people have been robbed of their lands and territories, and much more. In some cases, they have been robbed of their own children.

Some have also been stripped of political and economic autonomy, while their cultures and languages have been “denigrated and extinguished”.

Mr. Guterres noted that in recent months, the world has again learned about some of the horrors indigenous communities faced at the hands of colonizers.

“Some nations have begun to address this heinous legacy through apologies, truth and reconciliation efforts, and legislative and constitutional reforms. But much more needs to be done,” he said.

Restoring rights

“We need a new social contract – one that restores and honours the rights, dignity and freedoms of those who have been deprived of so much for so long. Central to this must be genuine dialogue, interaction and willingness to listen.”

The Secretary-General pointed to the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples held seven years later, as the “tools” to bring about the new social contract.

“There is no excuse for denying the world’s 476 million indigenous peoples self-determination and meaningful participation in all decision-making,” he said. “Free, prior and informed consent is central for indigenous peoples to exercise their own vision of development.”

Celebrate indigenous wisdom

Additionally, even though recognition of the importance of indigenous knowledge grows, particularly in relation to solving global challenges such as the climate crisis and preventing emergence of contagious diseases, the UN chief stressed that this knowledge must be owned and shared by indigenous communities themselves.

“On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let us show true solidarity by working to end the grievous inequalities of indigenous peoples worldwide, to fully recognize the abuse they have endured, and to celebrate their knowledge and wisdom,” he said.

WFP/Morelia Eróstegui A World Food Programme (WFP) representative in Bolivia talks to Uru-Murato indigenous women about COVID-19 awareness and healthy nutrition practices.

Inclusive pandemic recovery

Relatedly, while the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated inequalities affecting people worldwide, a UN independent expert warned that even recovery efforts are having some negative impacts on indigenous communities.

Special Rapporteur José Francisco Cali Tzay said economic recovery measures have prioritized and supported the expansion of business operations at the expense of indigenous peoples, their lands and the environment.

“To avoid making the situation even worse, I urge States to involve representatives, leaders and traditional authorities of indigenous peoples, including those living in urban areas, in the design and implementation of recovery policies,” he said.

Mr. Cali Tzay further urged governments to support solutions which put indigenous peoples’ rights to self-determination and land at the core of post-pandemic recovery efforts, in line with 2007 UN Declaration.

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. They operate in their individual capacity and are neither UN staff, nor do they receive a salary from the Organization.