Earthna Summit takes indigenous sustainability solutions to world

Experts discussed the importance of harnessing existing knowledge and local practices to tackle global climate change challenges on the first day of the Earthna Summit 2023, which concluded yesterday.
The discussion, titled ‘Climate Change Adaptation: Indigenous Knowledge and Resilience’, was part of a two-day conference hosted by Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Manvendra Singh Shekhawat, founder and CEO of Dhun, discussed the transformation of a neighbourhood in Jaipur, India, that went from a barren land to a self-sufficient microcosm using indigenous techniques.
While he believes that this particular project will not solve the requirements of food, shelter, opportunities, and other needs of the world, the ideas, principles and values behind it are very scalable. “This solution is working on site, but I am not sure that it could work 50km from our site,” he said. “However, the principles – whether you are in Peru or in Mumbai or in London – are the same.”
He also spoke about the power of technology, saying: “We are in the 21st century, and our ability to collaborate as human beings is more than ever before. The ability to learn from each other today is more than ever before.
“So, what if we built on foundations that have worked for us as humanity for the past 5,000 years, and then used technology to make that shift happen?”
The importance of technology was also highlighted by Emmanuela Shinta, Dayak activist and environmentalist, from Kalimantan, Borneo.
“The war against climate change – a war that cannot be won by spears, swords, or shields – but it can be won with education, innovation, creativity, and technology,” Shinta said, explaining how she, a Dayak woman, flew from Borneo to stand in front of an international audience to talk about climate change while holding a mobile telephone and a presentation clicker.
Speaking about how indigenous people have the knowledge to help, she said: “How can I convince you – the world leaders, decision makers, multi-stakeholders – to believe in indigenous knowledge, and to believe in our efforts at the front line?”
Additionally, Dr Abdullah al-Ghafri, Unesco Chair on Aflaj Studies, Archeaohydrology, University of Nizwa, Oman, spoke about utilising existing knowledge and practices, highlighting the Aflaj irrigation system.
Over the course of the two days, the summit titled ‘Building New Sustainability Pathways for Hot and Arid Environments’, hosted a variety of sessions, workshops, and panel discussions on food and security adaptation; climate change and energy transition; resilient cities; and biodiversity.