Aufgabe 1.2

Tasks

Outline the information on the two different approaches to understanding and utilizing nature.

(30 %)

Analyze how Indigenous people and their role in environmental protection are presented. Focus on the use of language and communicative strategies employed in the article as well as on the function of the photo published with it.

(30 %)

Choose one of the following tasks:

3.1

“Western-trained researchers and governments are increasingly recognizing the wealth of knowledge that Indigenous communities have amassed to coexist with and protect their environments over hundreds or even thousands of years.”
(ll. 18-20)

Taking the quotation as a starting point, assess to what extent Indigenous practices are the solution to global environmental problems.

(40 %)

3.2

As a participant of the international youth conference Youth4Sustainability, you have been asked to contribute a speech.

Write the speech, commenting on ways to solve problems caused by the unrestrained growth of the Global North.

(40 %)

Text: Excerpt from the article

What Western Society Can Learn From Indigenous Communities

By Rachel Cernansky

Maori leaders and members of the Australian Defense Force and the charitable group Haka for Life at a service in April in Sydney, Australia, to honor the First Nations People of Australia and Indigenous Maori for their contribution to the protection of Australia and New Zealand. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Nearly two decades ago, when the New Zealand highway authority was planning the

Waikato

Expressway, people from the Māori tribe Ngāti Naho objected. The highway would encroach

on an area that, in Māori tradition, was governed by a water-dwelling creature, a taniwha.

The authorities took those concerns into account and rerouted the road to circumvent the

area in question. As a result, a year later, when the area was hit by a major flood, the road

was unharmed.

“I’m still waiting for the headline, ‘Mythical Creature Saves the Taxpayer Millions,’” said Dan

Hikuroa, a senior lecturer in Māori studies at the University of Auckland and member of the

Ngāti Maniapoto tribe. He has often wondered if, once the flood hit, the technical team later

said, “Why didn’t you just say it’s a flood risk area?”

Like many Indigenous peoples around the world, the Māori have developed their

understanding of their environment through close observation of the landscape and its

behaviors over the course of many generations. Now the New Zealand Environmental

Protection Agency regularly looks for ways to integrate traditional Māori knowledge, or

mātauranga, into its decision-making. Mr. Hikuroa has been appointed the culture

commissioner for UNESCO New Zealand, a role he said is centered on integrating Māori

knowledge into UNESCO’s work.

Western-trained researchers and governments are increasingly recognizing the wealth of

knowledge that Indigenous communities have amassed to coexist with and protect their

environments over hundreds or even thousands of years. Peer-reviewed scientific journals

have published studies demonstrating that around the world, Indigenous-managed lands

have far more biodiversity intact than other lands, even those set aside for conservation.

Embracing Indigenous knowledge, as New Zealand is trying to do, can improve how federal

governments manage ecosystems and natural resources. It can also deepen Western

scientists’ understanding of their own research, potentially, by providing alternative

perspectives and approaches to understanding their field of work. This is ever more urgent,

particularly as the climate crisis unfolds. “It is Indigenous resilience and worldview that every

government, country and community can learn from, so that we manage our lands, waters

and

resources not just across budget years, but across generations,” U.S. Secretary of the

Interior Deb Haaland, a citizen of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico and America’s first

Native American cabinet secretary, said in remarks to the United Nations.

Indigenous scholars warn, though, that while traditional knowledge can be used to benefit

the world, it can also be mishandled or exploited. Dominique David Chavez, a descendant of

the Arawak Taíno in the Caribbean, and a research fellow at the Native Nations Institute at

the University of Arizona and the National Science Foundation, says that, as Western

scientists, “we are trained to go into communities, get that knowledge and go back to our

institutions and disseminate it in academic journals.” That can be disruptive to traditional

knowledge sharing, from one generation to another, she says, which should be the priority —

ensuring that Indigenous knowledge systems are preserved in and supportive of the

communities that developed them. In Puerto Rico, known by its Indigenous people as

Borikén, Ms. Chavez is studying ways to restore the connections and traditional knowledge

transmission patterns between elders and youth.

Bridging Indigenous and Western science also means respecting the ecosystem of values in

which the knowledge systems are embedded. For instance, the practice of planting a

diversity of crops and building healthy soil for water retention — today known as

“regenerative agriculture” — has existed in Indigenous communities around the world

throughout history. Yet the growing push to adopt regenerative agriculture practices

elsewhere is often selective, using industrial pesticides, for example, or leaving out the

well-being of people who farm the land.

“In Indigenous sciences, it’s not possible to separate the knowledge from the ethics of the

responsibility for that knowledge — whereas in Western science, we do that all the time,”

said Robin Wall Kimmerer, the director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment

at the State University of New York in Syracuse and an enrolled member of the Citizen

Potawatomi Nation. The scientific method is designed to be indifferent to morals or values,

she adds.

“Indigenous knowledge puts them back in.”

Ideally, the shared use of Indigenous knowledge can help mend broken relationships

between Indigenous and Western communities.

In upstate New York, Ms. Kimmerer points to sweetgrass, a native plant used for traditional

basketry. She was approached by a tribe concerned about the decline of the plant and

looking for a solution.

Government regulations had already restricted its harvest. “One thing people often think

about is, is it being overharvested?” Ms. Kimmerer said. She helped to conduct studies that

ultimately showed that harvesting sweetgrass, following Indigenous protocols, is the very

thing that will help it to thrive. “If you just leave it alone, it starts to decline.”

For her, that speaks to a core flaw in Western approaches to land management: the belief

that human interaction is necessarily harmful to ecosystems. “That’s one of the reasons

Native people were systematically removed from what are today’s national parks, because of

this idea that people and nature can’t coexist in a good way. But Indigenous knowledge,” Ms.

Kimmerer said, “is really all about, ‘Oh yes we can, and we cultivate practices for how that is

possible,’” she said. [...]

As the world increasingly recognizes the accomplishments of many Indigenous communities

that successfully coexist with ecosystems, there is much for Western society to learn.

“We have this notion that Western science is the pathway to truth. We don’t really even

entertain the possibility that it could come from somewhere else,” said Ms. Kimmerer.

“Resource managers, land managers need to understand that there are multiple ways of

knowing.”

Source: Cernansky, Rachel. “What Western Society Can Learn From Indigenous Communities.” New York Times, July 10, 2021. Accessed on Dec. 21, 2021 from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/10/opinion/indigenous-maori- new-zealand-environment.html. (A formal mistake in the original text has been corrected.)

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Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text. It must be noted that our conclusions contain only some of the possible aspects. Students can also find a different approach to argumentation.

Indigenous communities hold a profound respect and understanding of nature and its processes.
They gain environmental knowledge through extensive observation over generations.
Traditional knowledge is safeguarded and passed down through generations.
Indigenous peoples view themselves as protectors of nature, emphasizing harmonious coexistence.
They practice long-term environmental stewardship that spans multiple generations.
Ethical considerations and responsibility for knowledge are seen as inseparable from the knowledge itself.

Indigenous Approach

Focuses on research with often a limited scope of perspectives.
Research findings are primarily distributed through academic journals.
There is a prevailing belief that human interference is inherently harmful to environments.
Scientific research often shows indifference towards moral and ethical implications.
Natural resource management plans are typically short-term.
There is a growing recognition of the value of Indigenous knowledge.

Utilizing Nature

presenting Indigenous activities and their impact on the environment in a positive light
using words with positive connotation and imagery, e.g.
$\rightarrow$ “What Western Society Can Learn From Indigenous Communities” (title),
$\rightarrow$ “wealth of knowledge” (ll. 18-19),
$\rightarrow$ “knowledge ... amassed” (l. 19),
$\rightarrow$ “coexist with and protect their environments over hundreds or even thousands of years” (ll. 19-20),
$\rightarrow$ “Embracing Indigenous knowledge ... can improve” (l. 23)
depicting Indigenous people as valuable providers of knowledge and wisdom by applying special terms, e.g.
$\rightarrow$ “more biodiversity” (l. 22),
$\rightarrow$ “transmission patterns” (l. 41),
$\rightarrow$ “water retention” (l. 45),
$\rightarrow$ “regenerative agricultural practices” (l. 47),
and using a comparison, e.g.
$\rightarrow$ “around the world, Indigenous-managed lands have far more biodiversity intact than other lands” (ll. 21-22)

Main Body Presentation of Indigenous people

demonstrating the relevance/usefulness of Indigenous knowledge in its global dimension
by including quotes of experts and representatives from different countries and Indigenous backgrounds, e.g.
$\rightarrow$ ll. 27-31, ll. 32-37, ll. 49-54,
examples from different countries,
$\rightarrow$ “Nearly two decades ago, ... New Zealand highway ..., the road was unharmed.” (ll. 1-6), $\rightarrow$ “In upstate New York ... starts to decline.” (ll. 57-63)
by juxtaposing Indigenous and Western approaches throughout the article,
$\rightarrow$ e.g. “Embracing Indigenous knowledge ... can improve ... It can also deepen Western scientists’ understanding” (ll. 23-26),
$\rightarrow$ “‘In Indigenous sciences ... not possible to separate the knowledge from the ethics ... whereas in Western science, we do it all the time’” (ll. 49-50)
showing the different mindsets and attitudes of Indigenous and Western approaches

being a role model for peaceful coexistence with nature

The picture plays a crucial role in the article by prominently featuring a large photo that draws readers' attention to the Indigenous community.
At the center of the image, members of the Maori tribe are depicted in traditional attire, underlining their pride, confidence, and heritage.
In the foreground, we see decorated Maori members of the armed forces alongside traditionally dressed Indigenous people, one of whom is holding flowers.
This juxtaposition emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of Indigenous and Western influences.
The serious facial expressions and body language of the individuals in the photo convey a sense of solemnity, further highlighting the importance and respect accorded to this cultural representation.

Function of the picture

3.1

Indigenous practices, honed over centuries and deeply rooted in a profound understanding of local ecosystems, offer valuable insights and strategies for addressing global environmental challenges. The quotation, "Western-trained researchers and governments are increasingly recognizing the wealth of knowledge that Indigenous communities have amassed to coexist with and protect their environments over hundreds or even thousands of years," highlights the growing acknowledgment of this wisdom. To assess the extent to which Indigenous practices can provide solutions to global environmental problems, we must examine several key areas: biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, climate change mitigation, and ethical considerations.

Introduction
Referring to quote

Indigenous lands are often rich in biodiversity.
Studies have shown that areas managed by Indigenous communities tend to have higher levels of biodiversity compared to those managed by conventional conservation methods.
Indigenous practices often incorporate a holistic view of the ecosystem, recognizing the interconnectedness of all species and elements.
For instance, the Māori practice of rāhui, which involves temporarily restricting access to certain areas to allow ecosystems to recover, has proven effective in preserving biodiversity.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge is based on generations of observational data, making it highly specific and adaptable to local environments.
This knowledge includes practices like crop rotation, polyculture, and controlled burns, which maintain soil fertility and reduce the risk of large-scale wildfires.

Main Body
Biodiversity

Many Indigenous groups have developed techniques for sustainable harvesting that ensure resources are not depleted.
For example, the practice of harvesting sweetgrass in New York, which actually promotes the plant's growth, contrasts with Western conservation practices that often exclude human interaction.
Indigenous practices such as agroforestry (integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems) and permaculture (creating self-sustaining agricultural ecosystems) offer sustainable alternatives to industrial agriculture.
These methods improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance resilience to climate change.

Sustainable Resource Management

Traditional land management practices, such as maintaining healthy forests and wetlands, are crucial for carbon sequestration.
Indigenous communities have historically adapted to changing environmental conditions.
Their knowledge can inform modern strategies for climate resilience, such as water management techniques used by Indigenous Australians to survive in arid environments.

Ethical Considerations and Cultural Respect

While Indigenous practices are effective on a local scale, scaling them up to address global problems can be complex.
Each practice is tailored to specific ecological and cultural contexts, which may not be directly transferable.
Bridging the gap between Indigenous knowledge and modern scientific approaches requires collaboration and mutual respect.
This integration can be challenging due to differing worldviews and methodologies.
Implementing Indigenous practices often requires significant political and economic changes, including land rights recognition and shifts in resource management policies.

Limitations and Challenges

Indigenous practices offer valuable solutions to global environmental problems through their emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
However, their successful integration into broader environmental strategies requires overcoming challenges related to scalability, respect for intellectual property, and political and economic barriers.
By fostering collaborative approaches and respecting Indigenous rights, we can harness the full potential of these time-tested practices to address pressing environmental issues.

Conclusion

3.2

Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed guests, fellow delegates, and young leaders from around the world,

It is a profound honor to stand before you today at the Youth4Sustainability conference.
We are gathered here with a common purpose: to shape a sustainable future for our planet.
One such issue is the unrestrained growth of the Global North and its profound impact on our environment and society.
The Global North, encompassing the world's wealthiest nations, has experienced remarkable economic growth over the past century.
This growth has brought about unprecedented advancements in technology, healthcare, and quality of life.
However, it has also led to severe environmental degradation, social inequalities, and economic disparities that we can no longer ignore.
Today, I want to highlight three critical areas where we must focus our efforts to mitigate these problems: sustainable consumption, equitable resource distribution, and global cooperation.

Greeting and Introduction

The consumption patterns of the Global North have placed immense strain on our planet's resources.
The relentless pursuit of material wealth has led to overexploitation of natural resources, deforestation, and pollution.
To solve this problem, we must embrace sustainable consumption practices.
This means reducing waste, promoting the circular economy, and shifting towards renewable energy sources.
We, as young consumers, have the power to drive this change.
By making conscious choices about the products we buy, supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, and advocating for policies that encourage responsible consumption, we can reduce our environmental footprint.
Furthermore, education and awareness campaigns are vital in fostering a culture of sustainability among our peers and communities.

Sustainable Consumption

The economic prosperity of the Global North has often come at the expense of the Global South.
Unequal resource distribution has led to poverty, hunger, and lack of access to essential services for millions of people.
To address this, we must promote fair trade, ensure that developing countries have access to the resources they need to thrive, and invest in sustainable development projects.
One practical approach is to support initiatives that empower local communities in the Global South.
This includes investing in education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture.
By providing these communities with the tools and resources they need to become self-sufficient, we can create a more equitable and just world.

Equitable Resource Distribution

The challenges we face today are global in nature and require a united response.
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality do not recognize borders.
Therefore, international cooperation is essential.
The Global North must take responsibility for its historical contributions to these problems and work collaboratively with the Global South to find solutions.
This involves honoring international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement, supporting global environmental initiatives, and ensuring that financial resources are available for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing countries.
It also means fostering partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society to share knowledge, technology, and best practices.

Global Cooperation

In conclusion, the unrestrained growth of the Global North has created significant challenges, but it has also provided us with the tools and resources to address them.
As young leaders, we have the vision, creativity, and determination to drive meaningful change.
By promoting sustainable consumption, advocating for equitable resource distribution, and fostering global cooperation, we can build a future where prosperity is shared, and the planet is protected.
Thank you.

Conclusion and Closing

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