Climate change is having a devastating impact on Indigenous communities, leading to droughts, floods, resource conflicts, displacement, and food insecurity. We urgently require access to water, support for our livelihoods, and a green economy that is based on Indigenous knowledge and respect. At COP28, it is crucial to establish a code of conduct that prioritizes Indigenous rights, protocols, and free, prior, informed consent. We must prioritize sustainable development over profit.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Despite the mechanisms in place to address climate change, including loss and damage, Indigenous peoples are still being left behind. The funding does not reach them directly, their rights are not respected, and even the new loss and damage fund excludes them. Gideon believes that we must continue to fight until the fund reaches those who need it the most.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee: Gideon Sanago (Maasai)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
The UAE has set forth three extra priorities for COP28, which include accelerating the energy transition to reduce emissions before 2030, revamping climate finance by fulfilling past commitments and establishing a new finance agreement, and prioritizing the well-being of nature, individuals, and livelihoods in climate action.
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)
Interviewee: Inka Saara Arttijeff (Sami)
The UAE’s presidential priorities include a significant language change from previous years, referring to “the inevitable and responsible phase-down of all fossil fuels.”
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)
Interviewee: Daria Egereva (Selkup)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.
The UAE’s presidential priorities include a significant language change from previous years, referring to “the inevitable and responsible phase-down of all fossil fuels.”
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)
Interviewee: Laissa Mali (Maasai)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.
Land and environmental defenders are at the forefront of the climate crisis, protecting the world's forests and biodiversity. Without their representation at the table, we cannot solve the climate crisis.
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)
Interviewee Jeff Ferguson (Spokane)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is of utmost importance and should be respected, rather than being overshadowed by the interests of local communities, says Naw Ei Ei Min. The adverse effects of climate change affect Indigenous Peoples more severely than others, and thus, it is imperative to take action rather than engage in negotiations. We cannot afford to wait for more suffering before taking action.
Produced by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)
Interviewee : Naw Ei Ei Min (Karen)
"LIBRES Y VIVAS " by MARE ADVETENCIA, used with permission.
David Alberto Hernández Palmar, who is a Wayuu Indigenous filmmaker, highlights the importance of Indigenous-led media platforms in showcasing the voices of Indigenous Peoples who are leading the fight against environmental challenges, such as climate change. These media channels employ various forms of communication, including audio-visual, podcasting, and radio programs, to share Indigenous stories and perspectives with a broader audience.
During every COP gathering, individuals and organisations who defend the land and environment, as well as Indigenous communities, voice their need for increased safeguards for their territories against industries that harm the environment, including mining, logging, and industrial agriculture. Climate organizations like Global Witness frequently send delegates to advocate for quick and ambitious measures to address the climate emergency.
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international climate summit, which is held annually unless the Parties (the countries involved) decide otherwise. At COPs, world leaders gather to work together on solutions to tackle climate change. There are now 198 Parties (197 countries plus the European Union) to the Convention, constituting near universal membership.
Cultural Survival attended COP28 in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, and spoke to some of the delegates who attended.