The research aim is co-design climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and policies underpinned by Amazon Indigenous communities’ ontologies and knowledge values in responding to environmental challenges in Brazil.
The research methodology is co-designed, co-produced and guided by four Amazon Indigenous ethnicities (Yawanawa, Noke Koi Katukina, Shanenawa, Huni Kuin) in six communities (Aldeia Amparo Yawanawa; Clã Varinawa Vari Peo Noke Koi; Morada Nova Shanenawa; Ni Yuxibu Huni Kuin; São Joaquim Huni Kuin; Nova Empresa Huni Kuin) in the Brazilian Amazon territory.
The Indigenous communities lead this inclusive process, which involves local communities (e.g. Amazon `quilombolas`, riverside dwellers), practitioners, academics, policymakers, and representatives from both governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Interconnected objectives:
- Co-identify institutional responses to climate change at the local, regional, and national level in Brazil, co-analyse barriers to implementing climate interventions, and co-identify gaps in government policies and actions that hinder or/and prevent recognition and inclusion of Amazon Indigenous knowledge within environmental governance policies.
- Co-design innovative methodologies with four Amazon Indigenous ethnicities (Yawanawa, Noke Koi Katukina, Shanenawa, Huni Kuin) led by their insights and experiences related to environmental challenges. The goals are to propose sustainable futures scenarios guided by Indigenous perspectives, and to challenge conventional research methods rooted in Western-centric climate research. We seek to build methodologies that truly represent the interests, beliefs, perspectives, goals, and voices of Amazon Indigenous communities.
- Co-develop a programme that facilitates knowledge translation, mobilization, and impact in the development of climate change adaptation and mitigation actions and policies in Brazil. This programme will utilize tools, resources, and platforms to support decision-making with a focus on Amazon Indigenous communities’ ontological pluralism, knowledge, and values as key factors.
- Enhance research capacity in the field of global environmental change underpinned by Amazon Indigenous ontological pluralism, knowledge, and values. We will achieve this through two main approaches: (i) supporting Amazon Indigenous and local communities’ initiatives (e.g. Amazon `quilombolas`, riverside dwellers): this involves backing local projects, ensuring protection, and advocating for formal recognition of Amazon Indigenous People as leaders in climate-resilience; (ii) facilitating training sessions: Indigenous communities lead training sessions for local communities, practitioners, academics, policymakers, and representatives from government and non-governmental organisations. The focus is on co-generating innovative ideas, knowledge, and environmental practices, rooted in the ethical and spiritual dimensions of Amazon Indigenous communities’ relationship with nature.