Perspective Chapter: Engaging Indigenous Peoples – The SERVIR Amazonia Experience

Abstract

This chapter presents the experience of the SERVIR Amazonia program for the transfer of geospatial technology with efforts to include indigenous peoples and their organisations in its services. The overall program objectives are to contribute to the conservation of biological diversity and to the mitigation of or adaptation to climate change. Much of Amazonia where biological diversity is greatest and climate change threats are highest is indigenous peoples’ territories; therefore, their inclusion in program services is critical to success. This analysis highlights the approach, advances, and challenges, of those efforts, including the ethical considerations and risks involved. Such efforts must include strong cultural sensitivity and communication skills. Among the conclusions are that the approach of working with and through the indigenous peoples’ own representative organisations is highly appropriate, especially the most local ones.