This media statement is listed on behalf of the National Native Title Council of which the GLSC is a member

The impact of climate change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is being discussed this week at an international summit of indigenous people in Anchorage, Alaska.  

NNTC Chairperson Brian Wyatt is part of the Pacific Delegation to the 5-day Indigenous Peoples Global Summit on Climate Change, convened to promote discussion between the world’s indigenous peoples and to share experiences of climate change.  

“Climate change raises unique challenges for indigenous peoples. Given their dependence on the land and oceans for their livelihood and culture it is vital that their voices are heard in the climate change debate.  

“Higher temperatures and changing seasons are expected to impact on supplies of traditional bush foods and rising sea levels will hinder access to traditional lands in some regions.  

“People living in remote areas, with little or no infrastructure and poor access to services, are particularly vulnerable. If climate change is not carefully managed, the existing economic and social disadvantage in these areas will only get worse.”  

The Pacific Delegation to the summit has commended the Australian Government on its recent commitment to fully supporting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

“The reversal of the previous government’s refusal to endorse the declaration was warmly welcomed, but the key now is for it to be fully implemented.  

“Enshrined in the declaration is the right of indigenous peoples to participate fully in all matters that concern them. Clearly there now needs to be a respectful partnership between government and indigenous people as Australia develops its response to climate change,” Mr Wyatt said.  

The Indigenous Peoples Global Summit runs until 25 April. It will culminate with the adoption of an indigenous peoples’ declaration and action plan on climate change, to be presented at the 15^th meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol in Copenhagen later this year.  

Media Contact:        Brian Wyatt  0417 970 413            Carolyn Betts 0400 854 067