In the Abstracts of the article Indigenous knowledge and sustainability, the author, Kalafatic, identifies the causes of the vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples, which are global crises (IPs). The author emphasizes that Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is a method to minimize the consequences of global changes. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples can lead to true sustainability in the lives of Indigenous people.
Kalafatic defines Indigenous knowledge as skills and innovation of cultural practices of IP, which are in their language, songs, narratives, and dances (Kalafatic, 2010). An important peculiarity of Indigenous knowledge is identifying Indigenous people depending on their native lands. The author highlights vital aspects of IK, such as collectively owned knowledge or learning medicine and agriculture (Kalafatic, 2010).
As features of IK used to create sustainability in the fight against global crises the author emphasizes measures for adaptation, mitigation, and resilience (Kalafatic, 2010). Further, Kalafatic defines the features of the application of knowledge systems for natural resources and stresses that earlier projects to protect national parks were carried out without involving IP. However, collaborating with them to obtain essential knowledge about the territories is necessary. In conclusion, Kalafatic writes that the integration of IK will effectively deal with global crises.
Reference
Kalafatic, C. (2010). Indigenous knowledge and sustainability: Strengthening collaborations and closing local-global gaps through a restorative economy of respect. In E. Simmons (Ed.). Indigenous earth: Praxis and transformation (pp. 64-76). Theytus Books.