The Role of Indigenous Knowledge and Practices in Fostering Climate Resilience: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

This research aims to review the past interactions between indigenous peoples and the environment by regarding the discourse of resilience that emerged in colonial, modernist, and climatically fluctuating circumstances. Thus, the methodology of cognitive anthropology, based on the comprehensive identification of indigenous lifeways, cultures, and environmental knowledge systems, reveals several important parameters that describe the relevance of indigenous point of view to the modern practices of climate adaptation and mitigation. The results stress the need to identify indigenous peoples’ knowledge systems in tackling climate change to enhance sustainable development paradigms by stressing partnership, cultural understanding, and capacity enhancement. In addition, the study urges the need to invest in more research and action on indigenous-led responses to climate change adaptation including the need for more capacity development, knowledge exchange, and advocacy for indigenous rights and recognition. By focusing on indigenous knowledge and views regarding climate action efforts, policymakers, and practitioners can ensure more equitable, inclusive, and effective responses to climate change while honoring the rich diversity of cultures, knowledge systems, and ways of life that enrich our global community.

Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, Climate resilience, Environmental change, Sustainable development, Indigenous rights.