Tackling intersecting challenges with Indigenous and traditional knowledge holders: Prioritising place-based approaches and customary governance

Knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) that govern the use of nature are underpinned by their worldviews and values that view the elements of the nexus as interconnected. As such, many IPLCs conceptualise and experience nature, food systems, water systems, well-being and spirituality as an integrated whole. While numerous approaches to tackle intersecting challenges in a synergistic and holistic manner already exist, they are often sidelined; this is particularly the case for IPLC’s place-based approaches and customary governance.  Co-producing knowledge through dialogue with Indigenous and traditional knowledge holders has the potential to transform the existing siloed approaches to tackle intersecting challenges. Yet, a systematic review of governance and policy options for the nexus conducted for the IPBES Nexus Assessment found that IPLCs are the least represented in existing nexus governance and policy options. Challenges that impede adoption and uptake of policy instruments based on Indigenous or customary institutions include discrepancies in worldviews and values, scalar mismatches, inconsistencies in prioritisations, and lack of understanding of Indigenous and local knowledge.  This presentation builds on studies that demonstrate the importance of working with Indigenous and traditional knowledge holders and recognizing the value of such knowledge in ecosystem governance.  Improving our understanding of plural values and ways of knowing can help identify and negotiate policy and sociopolitical options that improve ecosystem stewardship.  In this presentation, I share some examples of institutions that govern the use of natural resources in ways that lead to positive outcomes in biodiversity conservation, food security, water management, and positive well-being of coastal communities in Aceh, Indonesia, and Bình Thuận, Việt Nam.  At the same time, such knowledge and practices have proven to be essential to help these communities adapt to impacts of climate change, and deal with climate-related hazards such as storms and floods.  Ultimately, I demonstrate the importance of partnering with Indigenous and traditional knowledge holders to tackle intersecting challenges by prioritising place-based approaches and customary governance. Taking this step to engage actors that continue to be marginalised in policy- and decision-making will lead to positive equity and justice results in nexus governance.