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

Government and industry should take a closer look at the culture and traditional practices of indigenous people in framing responses to climate change.  

“If there had been greater respect for the land, plants and animals, water resources and the seasons, as shown through indigenous culture, the climate change impacts that have us all so concerned would be much less,” said NNTC chairperson Brian Wyatt .  

Mr Wyatt has just returned from the UN-sponsored Indigenous Peoples Global Summit on Climate Change in Anchorage , Alaska , which he attended as part of a delegation representing countries from the Pacific region.  

The conference communiqué – The Anchorage Declaration – expresses ‘deep alarm’ for ‘the accelerating climate devastation brought about by unsustainable development’.  

‘Mother Earth is no longer in a period of climate change, but in climate crisis. We therefore insist on an immediate end to the destruction and desecration of the elements of life,’ the declaration says.  

Mr Wyatt said indigenous people were most affected by climate change, yet they contribute least. “It is noteworthy that they have also been consulted least with regard the development projects around the world that precipitated the crisis.  

“This approach must change. The vehicle for change is the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. From here on these rights must be upheld in all decision-making and activities related to climate change,” he said.  

“When specific programs and projects affect our lands, territories, environment and natural resources, our right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent, including the right to say ‘no’ must be recognised and respected. Upholding these principles would ensure that age-old traditional practices and knowledge help to reduce adverse impacts on the environment by development projects and assist Australia play its part in the global effort to address climate change,” Mr Wyatt said.  

The Anchorage Declaration will provide the basis for the world indigenous peoples’ contribution to 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