ILPC 2027

This paper analyses the situation of indigenous peoples in the context of climate change and the world of work. Indigenous peoples’ traditional occupations are based on land and natural resources, and are intertwined with their traditional knowledge, cultures, and ways of life. Due to a number of factors their traditional economic activities are under pressure and a growing number of indigenous communities see their livelihoods and traditional activities under rapid transformation, particularly as a result of decreasing access to land and natural resources. Loss of traditional knowledge and livelihoods is going along with increased participation of indigenous women and men “at the margins” of labour markets of expanding industrialized economies where there situation is characterized by migration and dependence on the informal economy, and greater exposure to discrimination and exploitation, with women experiencing multiple forms of discrimination. Other problems include poor access to social protection and training, as well as limited opportunities for enhancing incomes, starting enterprises or improving market linkages. At the same time, indigenous peoples are disproportionally affected by the impacts of climate change which further exacerbate their already existing social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities. The paper suggests that indigenous peoples’ traditional occupations and work are affected in distinctive ways by climate change as well as policies or actions aimed at addressing it. Due to the magnitude of threats they face with regard to climate change, including specific threats to their livelihoods, cultures and ways of life, their situation is different from that of other groups and of the poor more generally. While engaging with such transformations and threats, the paper aims at shedding light particularly on the future of work in the rural economy, with a specific focus on challenges and opportunities for ensuring decent work. The paper locates indigenous peoples, their traditional forms of livelihoods, and their relationship with the environment, within these on-going transformations, and the interplay of these transformations with the impacts of climate change. The paper also highlights that indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge and occupations have a unique role to play in climate action, cutting across both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as just transition policies. The economic activities of indigenous peoples are grounded in a model which ensures that their capital - nature - is sustainably managed. Simultaneously, their traditional knowledge and cultural approach to the issue of climate change is unique, and of high relevance for climate adaptation and mitigation. Together, these provide for alternative perspectives on productivity, resource use, and engagement with the environment that have the potential for spurring green growth and combating climate change. Its implications for shaping the future of work are particularly important given that nearly 370 million indigenous people worldwide, are at the vanguard of running a modern economic model based on principles of a sustainable green economy. The paper consequently argues that for climate action to be successful, indigenous peoples must be able to access decent work opportunities and participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of sustainable policies as well as measures aimed at combating climate change. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) in securing their rights and ensuring their consultation and participation in decision making, as well as the ILO’s approach to indigenous peoples’ empowerment that promotes social solutions to environmental problems.