As the world grapples with the pressing realities of climate change, often-overlooked sources of knowledge can be found in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous knowledge is not a monolithic entity; rather, it comprises a diverse array of systems, values and principles, unique to each Indigenous group. For centuries, these communities have maintained profound connections to the Earth, crafting ways of life that go beyond stewardship and that have become an intrinsic part of their particular identities. Indigenous leader Valérie Courtois, member of the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh, captures this ethos succinctly: ‘If we take care of the land, the land takes care of us.’ This philosophy reflects one of many approaches within Indigenous communities and is characterised by ethical and ecologically grounded knowledge, and a profound connection to the land. It underpins practices that sustain communities in times of upheaval.
The Human Rights Film Festival Berlin, in cooperation with the Euroclima programme and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), has invited film-makers to delve into Indigenous perspectives on climate change and shed light on topics such as biodiversity conservation in the Amazon region. The aim is to highlight the importance of reflecting on the diversity of Indigenous knowledge systems and to recognise the multifaceted insights that Indigenous voices can offer in climate action. The selected films provide a lens through which to view the intricate interplay between climate change, democracy, the environment and social equality. Going beyond the scope of cinema, the festival, in alliance with Euroclima and with support from GIZ, has put together a roundtable connecting Indigenous voices from Latin America with decision-makers and experts from Germany and Europe. Euroclima is a programme being co-funded by the European Union and the German federal government through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-implemented by GIZ.
The roundtable, titled ‘Positive Future Scenarios: Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development in the Amazon Region’, will provide a platform on which to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange. Its primary mission is to bring together diverse perspectives, including those of Indigenous peoples and other experts from various sectors. Together, they will delve into the transformative potential embedded within the bioeconomy. This concept will be crucial for driving sustainable transformation by addressing economic, social and environmental challenges within the scope of a just and eco-responsible economic shift. Achieving the vision of the bioeconomy will require collaboration between governments, the private sector, experts and civil society.
The participation of representatives from the BMZ/German Government, experts from the EU’s Directorate-General for the Environment, and Latin American initiatives [to be confirmed] will provide crucial insights into international collaboration and policy-making, fostering inclusive dialogue for global sustainable development, specifically in the Amazon region. Simultaneously, the essential value of Indigenous knowledge will take centre stage, enriching the dialogue with perspectives that policy-makers and civil society can learn from and integrate into climate change action. Bernhard Zymla, GIZ Coordinator for the Euroclima programme, emphasises this central aspect: This endeavour reflects the festival's broader commitment to bridging gaps and fostering meaningful dialogue. By creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge can meet with decision-making expertise, the festival seeks to act as a catalyser for actionable change. As wildfires rage, droughts loom, and communities brace for the unpredictable, the value of Indigenous knowledge is becoming increasingly evident. The Human Rights Film Festival Berlin will be a conduit for this expertise, recognising the urgent need to amplify Indigenous voices in climate discourse and policy-making. In a world navigating uncharted waters, the solutions to our most pressing challenges could benefit from the roots of Indigenous knowledge in tradition and the land itself. Listening, learning and incorporating Indigenous knowledge is not just optional – it's imperative.
