As COP29 concludes in Baku with developed nations pledging at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035, a crucial question arises: who will truly benefit from these funds? Indigenous communities—the true guardians of our ecosystems—are still largely sidelined in the allocation of climate financing. Yet, their ancestral knowledge holds untapped potential to address the climate crisis effectively and sustainably.
The Hearth Summit in Thiès, Senegal, organized last October by Tostan and The Wellbeing Project, spotlighted the essential role of indigenous ecological practices in combating climate change. Communities like the Bassari of Senegal and the Maasai of Kenya offer practical, time-tested solutions that could reshape global climate strategies—if they receive the support they urgently need.
Funding Local Solutions: A Global Imperative
For the Bassari, preserving nature isn’t just an environmental concern, it’s a cultural and spiritual mandate. Their sacred forests serve as symbols of collective identity and hubs of biodiversity. But today, these vital ecosystems face grave threats from unregulated resource extraction and the cascading effects of climate change.
The Bassari’s sustainable practices, such as harvesting palm wine without cutting trees or engaging in beekeeping that protects colonies, illustrate a balance between resource use and ecosystem preservation. Similarly, the Maasai of East Africa demonstrate a harmonious coexistence with wildlife, preserving biodiversity while adopting sustainable development models. Yet, their way of life is increasingly endangered by agricultural encroachment and mass tourism.
If COP29 is to be a watershed moment, the global community must ensure climate funding flows directly to local initiatives. Indigenous communities are the original stewards of the planet, offering deeply rooted solutions to today’s environmental challenges.
Changing the Climate Narrative
In Africa, addressing climate change requires elevating the voices of indigenous communities who have protected ecosystems for centuries without economic incentives. These communities aren’t passive victims of the crisis—they are proactive guardians of nature, armed with actionable solutions.
The Hearth Summit highlighted several of these solutions. Wangari Maathai’s Green Belt Movement in Kenya, for instance, pioneered large-scale reforestation and ecosystem protection through grassroots mobilization. Meanwhile, the Bassari’s initiation rites, which emphasize the preservation of sacred forests, showcase how culture and conservation can work hand-in-hand.
For these solutions to endure, they must be fully integrated into national and international policies. Indigenous ecological wisdom should be celebrated, safeguarded, and passed on to future generations.
A Chance for Real Change
This year’s climate summit provides a pivotal opportunity for world leaders to make bold commitments in support of local communities. Recognizing the vital contributions of indigenous practices isn’t just morally right, it’s strategically essential for long-term sustainability.
By redirecting funds and policies to uplift initiatives grounded in cultural and ecological values, global leaders can take meaningful steps toward securing a livable future for all. The solutions to the climate crisis already exist; it’s time to give them the support they deserve.
