Land-Based Approaches To Address Human-Induced Disaster Adaptation

Time

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (GMT-7)

Session abstract

This event explores traditional land-based approaches by Indigenous and minority communities in Bangladesh and Ghana to adapt to human-induced disasters, aligning with global sustainability and climate action goals. Grounded in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), the discussion emphasizes how local knowledge systems can complement scientific frameworks in disaster resilience.

Indigenous communities in coastal Bangladesh and rural Ghana face acute climate vulnerabilities, such as rising sea levels, deforestation, and erratic weather patterns, which disrupt livelihoods and ecosystems. Drawing insights from seven recent academic studies, the event delves into participatory methodologies and land stewardship practices that enhance adaptation capacities while preserving cultural heritage. For example, findings from Ahmed et al. (2023) and Boateng et al. (2022) illustrate the efficacy of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with policy frameworks in disaster-prone regions.

Aligned with UNESCO's priorities on cultural heritage preservation and IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report (2023), this dialogue highlights Indigenous practices as integral to global climate strategies. IPCC findings underscore that localized, nature-based solutions-such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and wetland restoration-can significantly mitigate disaster risks and promote ecosystem recovery. This resonates with UNESCO's focus on fostering inclusive, community-driven environmental stewardship.

The event also considers commitments outlined in COP30's anticipated goals to amplify Indigenous and minority voices in climate governance. With a focus on equitable resource allocation, education, and capacity-building, these initiatives aim to bridge gaps in adaptation funding and implementation, particularly for marginalized communities. This aligns with the work of Mensah et al. (2022), who advocate for land-rights recognition as a cornerstone for sustainable adaptation.

Participants will gain insights into community-led programs in Bangladesh and Ghana that promote sustainable water management, agroecology, and renewable energy integration. For instance, initiatives such as mangrove reforestation in the Sundarbans (Bangladesh) and agroforestry in the Volta Region (Ghana) exemplify how Indigenous practices advance SDG targets. Key academic contributions, including Datta et al. (2024) and Kusi et al. (2023), showcase the importance of integrating Indigenous-led governance models into national and international adaptation policies.

Through presentations and panel discussions this event aims to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and actionable recommendations. Attendees will explore how Indigenous and minority-led land-based approaches can inform climate policies while addressing social inequities. This dialogue seeks to empower local communities to lead adaptation efforts, ensuring that climate resilience is both inclusive and transformative.

By bridging global frameworks with local expertise, this event contributes to advancing UNESCO's and IPCC's goals for sustainable, equitable, and culturally grounded climate adaptation strategies.

Agenda

Promote land-based knowledge integration in climateadaptation

Explore and highlight how Indigenous and minority land-based practices in Bangladesh and Ghana can inform sustainable disaster adaptation strategies. The session aims to demonstrate how these approaches align with global frameworks like the SDGs, UNESCO priorities, and IPCC recommendations, fostering synergies between traditional ecological knowledge and scientific innovation.

Centering voices of indigenous and minority communities

Highlight the perspectives and lived experiences of Indigenous and minority communities as leaders in climate adaptation efforts. This goal emphasizes equitable participation in policy development and implementation, reflecting commitments from COP30 to address systemic inequalities and ensure community-led decision-making in climate governance.

Create collaborative action for sustainable solutions

Encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and local communities to develop actionable, inclusive, and culturally connected disaster adaptation strategies. This includes generating practical recommendations for scaling up land-based approaches, enhancing capacity-building efforts, and securing resources for community-driven initiatives in disaster-prone regions.

Session format

The presentation from the four speakers will last for 60 minutes, followed by a concluding remark from the moderators (10 minutes). The remaining 20 minutes will be used for questions and answers (Q&A) from the virtual audience. The Q&A will be moderated by the Moderator.

Speakers

Moderator

shared between Dr. Ranjan Datta and Dr. John Acharibasam

Speakers

Dr. Ranjan Datta, Canada Research Chair in Community Disaster Research, Indigenous Studies, Department of Humanities, Mount Royal University, AB, Canada

Dr. Arifatul Kibria, Associate Professor American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Bangladesh.

Dr. John Acharibasam, Mount Royal University, Canada

Dr. Rajmoni Singha, Assistant Professor at the North South University, Dhaka Bangladesh

Barsha Kairy, University of Regina, Canada

tbc, National University of Ghana