Many indigenous peoples show a deep respect for the planet and all life forms, and understand that the health of the Earth goes hand in hand with the well-being of humanity.
This knowledge will be shared more widely at the 2023 session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Affairs (UNPFII), a 10-day event that gives indigenous communities a voice in the United Nations, with sessions devoted to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human permission).
Before the conference, UN News gave an interview Darío Mejia Montalvoan indigenous member of the Zenú community in the Colombian Caribbean, and president of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Affairs.
United Nations News: What is the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Affairs and why is it important?
Darío Mejia Montalvo: First we have to talk about what the United Nations is. The United Nations is made up of Member States, most of which are less than two hundred years old.
Many of them imposed their borders and legal systems on peoples who were there long before nations were established.
The United Nations was founded without taking into account these peoples who have always claimed that they have the right to maintain their own way of life, government, territory and culture.
The establishment of the Permanent Forum is the largest gathering of peoples in the United Nations System, seeking to discuss global issues affecting all of humanity, not just indigenous peoples. It is a historic achievement for these peoples who did not have the United Nations established; it allows their voices to be heard, but there is still a long way to go.
United Nations News: Why is the Forum focused on human and planetary health this year?
Darío Mejia Montalvo: the COVID-19 A pandemic is an important upheaval for humanity, but for the planet, a living being, it is also a respite from global pollution.
The United Nations was founded with only one point of view, that of its member states. Indigenous peoples are suggesting that we go beyond science, economics and politics, and refer to this planet as Mother Earth.
Our knowledge, dating back thousands of years, is valuable, important and contains innovative solutions.
United Nations News: What diagnoses do the natives have to address the health of the planet?
Darío Mejia Montalvo: There are more than 5,000 indigenous peoples in the world, each with their own worldview, understanding of current situations and solutions.
I think what indigenous peoples have in common is their relationship with the land, the basic principles of harmony and balance, where the idea of rights is based not only on people but also on nature. .
There are many diagnoses, which may have elements in common and may complement the diagnoses of Western science. We are not saying that one type of knowledge is superior to another; We need to recognize each other and work together on an equal footing.
This is the approach of the indigenous people. It is not a position of moral or intellectual superiority, but a position of cooperation, dialogue, understanding and mutual recognition. Here’s how indigenous peoples can contribute to the fight against the climate crisis.
An indigenous Barí woman pledges peace in Colombia after fighting in the FARC guerrilla group.
UN News: When Indigenous leaders defend their rights – especially environmental rights defenders – they are subject to harassment, killing, intimidation and intimidation.
Darío Mejia Montalvo: These are really carnage, tragedies that many people cannot see.
Humanity has been convinced that natural resources are inexhaustible and increasingly cheaper, and Mother Earth’s resources have been treated as commodities.
For thousands of years, indigenous peoples resisted expanding agricultural and mining frontiers. Every day, they defend their territory from mining companies seeking to extract oil, cola and the resources that, for many indigenous peoples, are the blood of the planet.
Many people believe that we must compete and dominate nature. The desire to control natural resources by legal or illegal companies, or through so-called green bonds or carbon markets is essentially a form of colonialism, which considers Indigenous peoples are inferior and incapable, therefore, justify falling victim and destroying them.
Many countries still do not recognize the existence of indigenous peoples, and when they do recognize them, there will be considerable difficulty in promoting concrete plans that will allow them to continue to protect and live on the land. his land in dignified condition.
A group of Karamojong people in Uganda perform songs to share knowledge about weather and animal health.
UN News: What do you expect this year from the session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Affairs?
Darío Mejia Montalvo: The answer is always the same: be heard on an equal basis and recognized for the contributions we can make to the great global discussions.
We hope that Member States will be a little more sensitive and humbled to realize that, as societies, we are not on track, that solutions to crises are The proposals to date have proved inadequate, if not contradictory. And we want a little more coherence, so that commitments and statements are translated into concrete actions.
The United Nations is at the center of the global debate and should take into account indigenous cultures.
