How can you incorporate Indigenous perspectives in your EIA for biodiversity conservation?

If you are involved in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a project that affects biodiversity, you may wonder how to include the views and values of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous perspectives can enrich your EIA by providing insights into the ecological and cultural significance of the affected area, as well as the potential impacts and mitigation measures. In this article, you will learn how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in your EIA for biodiversity conservation, following these six steps:

1 Identify stakeholders

The first step is to identify the Indigenous groups that have a stake in the project and the biodiversity it affects. You can use maps, databases, and consultations to find out who are the relevant Indigenous communities, organizations, and leaders. You should also consider their legal rights, interests, and aspirations, as well as their historical and current relationships with the land and the resources.

Add your perspective

Loupa Pius

Opinions & Views are my own | Rangelands and Pastoralism Expert | IYRP Co-Chair | IPBES ILK Expert Task force | Amb Rewilding Africa | Conservation Policy Fellow | IPLC alliance member Africa.
(edited)
Report contribution
Stakeholders Identification: Includes mapping indigenous peoples and local communities stakeholder representatives including women and youth and rightholders with varied views about the project. You should understand why community X is not present. Consider the historical, and social current norms and practices in regard to biodiversity, land, and resources.

Like

Load more contributions

2 Establish engagement

The second step is to establish a respectful and meaningful engagement process with the Indigenous stakeholders. You should follow the principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), which means that the Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making, to access information, and to give or withhold their consent to the project. You should also use culturally appropriate methods, such as face-to-face meetings, storytelling, and ceremonies, to communicate and build trust.

Add your perspective

Loupa Pius

Opinions & Views are my own | Rangelands and Pastoralism Expert | IYRP Co-Chair | IPBES ILK Expert Task force | Amb Rewilding Africa | Conservation Policy Fellow | IPLC alliance member Africa.
Report contribution
The second step is to establish a respectful and meaningful engagement platform and process with the stakeholders of indigenous people and local communities (IPLCs). You should follow the principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), which means that the Indigenous peoples and local communities have the right to participate in decision-making, to access information, and to give or withhold their consent to the project. You should also use socio-culturally appropriate and accepted methods, such as face-to-face meetings, storytelling, and ceremonies, to communicate and build trust.

Like

Load more contributions

3 Gather knowledge

The third step is to gather the Indigenous knowledge that can inform your EIA. Indigenous knowledge is the holistic and intergenerational understanding of the environment that Indigenous peoples have developed through observation, experience, and practice. It can offer valuable information about the biodiversity, the ecosystem services, and the cultural values of the affected area, as well as the indicators, impacts, and adaptations to environmental change.

Add your perspective

Load more contributions

4 Analyze impacts

The fourth step is to analyze the impacts of the project on the biodiversity and the Indigenous peoples. You should use both scientific and Indigenous methods to assess the baseline conditions, the potential effects, and the significance of the impacts. You should also consider the cumulative and synergistic impacts of the project and other activities in the region. You should involve the Indigenous stakeholders in defining the criteria, the methods, and the results of the impact analysis.

Add your perspective

Load more contributions

5 Propose measures

The fifth step is to propose measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for the impacts of the project on the biodiversity and the Indigenous peoples. You should consult with the Indigenous stakeholders to identify the best practices, the alternatives, and the trade-offs for the project design, implementation, and monitoring. You should also recognize and respect the Indigenous rights, interests, and responsibilities in managing the biodiversity and the resources.

Add your perspective

6 Report findings

The sixth and final step is to report your findings and recommendations in a clear and transparent way. You should present the Indigenous perspectives in your EIA report, acknowledging their sources, contributions, and limitations. You should also provide feedback and follow-up to the Indigenous stakeholders, ensuring that their views and values are considered and addressed in the decision-making process.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you incorporate Indigenous perspectives in your EIA for biodiversity conservation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify stakeholders

2 Establish engagement

3 Gather knowledge

4 Analyze impacts

5 Propose measures

6 Report findings

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Sustainable Design

More relevant reading

How can you incorporate Indigenous perspectives in your EIA for biodiversity conservation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify stakeholders

2 Establish engagement

3 Gather knowledge

4 Analyze impacts

5 Propose measures

6 Report findings

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills