Climate Conversations: Indigenous knowledge 'invaluable' for Andean adaptation
Indigenous peoples have extensive knowledge and skills to deal with climate change, writes Emily Kirkland, student at Brown University, on Alertnet's Climate Conversations blog. She presents three case studies in the topic. One of them showcases how six mountain communities near Cusco have cooperated to save native varieties of potatoes which are resistant to heat, drought, and crop pests, making them a more resilient option in the face of climate impacts.
Unfortunately, Ms Kirkland asserts, indigenous knowledge is threatened by globalization and the continued marginalization and impoverishment of indigenous peoples. She urges NGOs and governments to promote, protect, and disseminate traditional knowledge.