Indigenous People and Bio-cultural Diversity
Social Issues
In the eyes of many, indigenous people are the 'keepers of the whole', holding on to ancient wisdom that can serve as a valuable guide in these confused times. Their cultures need to be protected and their knowledge preserved while respecting their desire to choose different life styles. Better ways need to be found to safeguard their rights to often sparsely populated areas against the pressures of their neighbours.
What legal reforms are needed to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities to public goods and the global commons? Are there countervailing indigenous responsibilities, e.g. for land use and preservation and the sharing of knowledge? Can shared community values be protected against individual consumer values? How can indigenous wisdom help global society to better understand its place in the world, and to gain spiritual maturity? Are there ways in which non-humans could be granted enforceable rights?
