Document Type
Research Project
Publication Date
Fall 9-29-2025
Abstract
Indigenous people manage significant global terrestrial surface while simultaneously guarding around 80% of the world's biodiversity (With methodological uncertainty), despite only comprising a small fraction of the global population.Their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) supports essential climate solutions and helps in the adaptation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. A significant depth of injustice, however, and security risk in the existing climate governance mechanisms is pronounced given that less than 1% of direct global climate finance is allocated to indigenous peoples. This policy paper argues that a transformational paradigm shift needs to take place for global climate action to be effective, fair and sustainable. Extending beyond tokenistic participation and towards a right based approach that acknowledges Indigenous people rights to self determination as sovereign entities while locating ecocide as a vital threat to Indigenous stability. The paper examines the systematic barriers to participation and financial access analyzing 2 successful models like the dedicated grant mechanism DGM with a series of concrete recommendations for national governments and international bodies. The goal is to dismantle colonial legacies and climate governance, and address threats of ecocides, unlocking the full potential of Indigenous climate leadership at COP 30 and further beyond.
Recommended Citation
Wael, Shahd, "How can Indigenous Peoples be meaningfully integrated into national climate decision making processes?" (2025). COP30. 10.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/cop30/10