Nature-Based Solutions
By: Justine Townsend, PhD Candidate and CRP Researcher
May 15, 2020
Photo Credit: Guntar Kravis, Metcalf Foundation
Indigenous leadership in climate and conservation policy presents many opportunities at a critical time for the environment and communities. Despite being interconnected, innovations in climate action and conservation often occur in isolation from one another. This overlooks the potential for nature-based solutions to curtail climate change while protecting biodiversity.
Nature-based solutions refer to actions that restore, protect, or sustainably manage ecosystems while contributing to the well-being of societies and biodiversity. When led by Indigenous Peoples, nature-based solutions can contribute to much-needed economic development while supporting Indigenous governance and cultures.
Between 2018 and 2020 a team of researchers from the CRP at the University of Guelph joined with Anwaatin and Shared Value Solutions to explore nature-based solutions in an Indigenous context. We looked at the potential alignment of Indigenous-led conservation (i.e. conservation and stewardship led by Indigenous Peoples) and Indigenous-led, nature-based carbon storage (e.g. carbon offsets) by centering Indigenous perspectives.
We strove to identify the opportunities, challenges, and priorities in the convergence of these two innovations in environmental governance. To do this we utilized a variety of methods including literature reviews, key-informant interviews, and a gathering held at the University of Guelph on the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in May 2019. Most recently, we partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to develop a map identifying carbon storage in Canada and Indigenous protected areas. This work is in progress.
We pause to reflect on this work now, a year after the CRP hosted the gathering. Since then many CRP partners, Indigenous Nations and communities, and researchers have continued to advance discussions and projects related to Nature Based Solutions. Some of this work will be featured in upcoming CRP virtual dialogues.
Photo Credit: Guntar Kravis, Metcalf Foundation
Photo Credit: Guntar Kravis, Metcalf Foundation
Across all project activities participants included: 16 Indigenous Nations and organizations based in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and the Northwest Territories; 10 environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs); numerous private-sector consultants and practitioners, including two legal firms; and researchers from the University of Guelph.
The most significant take-away from the project is that Indigenous-led conservation and Indigenous-led, nature-based carbon storage opportunities are often aligned in principle as well as in practice in a few cases.
While the challenges to creating Indigenous carbon opportunities and markets are significant, the opportunities are promising. With Indigenous leadership at the forefront, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and carbon opportunities could benefit the environment while supporting cultural revitalization and Indigenous governance.
The development of collaborative initiatives, including further research, will help actualize the possibilities for both Indigenous-led conservation and carbon storage.
Photo Credit: Guntar Kravis, Metcalf Foundation
Where can you find out more?
The following resources are intended to inform, inspire, and catalyze. All are available for viewing, downloading, and sharing on the IPCA Knowledge Basket (or by clicking on the links below): https://ipcaknowledgebasket.ca
Films
With Shared Value Solutions, we produced eight short films featuring conversations about Indigenous-led conservation and carbon storage to amplify Indigenous perspectives. Topics include Indigenous carbon offsets, the role of Guardians, new models of conservation, Arctic climate change, and bridging knowledge systems.
Summary Report
The summary report, Nature-Based Solutions: Indigenous-led Conservation and Carbon Storage in Canada (2020), describes the components of the project. These include literature reviews on Indigenous-led conservation and Indigenous participation in carbon storage, key informant interviews, and the May 2019 gathering.
Infographic
This infographic offers a visual summary of the key findings of the project. It outlines the key challenges and opportunities associated with the convergence of Indigenous-led conservation and carbon storage.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Metcalf Foundation, the University of Guelph, Shared Value Solutions, Anwaatin Inc., and KAP Design.