Joint Nordic statement at UNPFII 22nd session

JOINT NORDIC STATEMENT

by Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark with Greenland

Twenty-second session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

ITEM 3 Discussion on the theme: “Indigenous Peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health and climate change: a rights-based approach”

Mr. Chairperson

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark together with Greenland.

Because of Indigenous Peoples’ holistic relationship of respect, responsibility and interdependency with nature, they have built a knowledge which is a great resource for environmental protection in various aspects, including in protecting biodiversity; achieving sustainable development; in managing the risks and impacts of climate change.

The crucial role played by Indigenous Peoples in preserving ecosystems and preventing deforestation - and in turn mitigate climate change - is being emphasised again and again, for instance by the IPCC. It is thus a sad paradox that Indigenous Peoples are rarely included in the planning and execution of climate change initiatives.

The protection of Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, including their science and technologies, languages and practices is inextricably linked to the rights to self-determination, autonomy, lands and resources. Climate policies must recognize Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders, knowledge-holders and partners in efforts to combat climate change.

When adopting a rights-based approach to mitigating climate change, respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples is paramount.

There is no human health without planetary health.