Summary
Our planet is in crisis. While urgent action is needed to accelerate pathways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, there is no viable option to keep the 1.5-degree climate target alive without also protecting, restoring and managing nature. Investment has started to flow to landscape conservation and restoration projects, both to offset carbon emissions and to propel positive co-benefits such as fresh water, clean air, biodiversity protection and human wellbeing. However, complexity and long-term perspectives are the speciality of Indigenous Knowledge systems, especially when it comes to nature-based investments. Across the globe, Indigenous people have engaged in patient, observational science and practice as part of their cultural and sustainability activity for tens of thousands of years, holding knowledge of great value to any investments in nature and climate change. This report shares one important message - that respecting Indigenous peoples’ cultural knowledge, rights and responsibilities will boost the resilience and long-term impact of landscape conservation and restoration projects.