Recognizing Indigenous Rights in Environmental Data

Every day around the world, environmental scientists collect around 274 terabytes of data. This is increasing thanks to advances in science and technology.

Data ranging from soil composition to river flow are often collected or sampled from ecosystems managed by Indigenous peoples.

In a new perspective in Nature Communications, a group of researchers, known as The Earth Data Relations Working Group, provides recommendations on how research practices can improve governance of Indigenous data.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination, including the right to protect the environment, including land, territory, resources, cultural and traditional knowledge, understanding and understanding. . How relevant data is processed and managed is a critical issue.

“There is a wealth of data on Indigenous people’s hometowns, and even more data is collected every day, but indigenous people and their governance practices are too often separated from the data,” Tribe (Yoeme) and Huichol ( Wixáritari) and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Dartmouth.

“Our study explains how principles such as the collective benefits of Indigenous data and ethical governance can be incorporated into ecological data practices that are already consistent with existing data infrastructure. I am.

The 18-person team included Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists, representing more than 14 different Indigenous peoples from regions across the United States and US territory.

To align Indigenous rights and interests with big data and open science, Jennings and her fellow co-authors have cited themes of ethics and responsibility, collective interest and sustainability, including the care principles of the global Indigenous Data Alliance. I will guide you.

They recommend that scientists examine current institutional practices, identify opportunities for improving communication and establishing joint relationships with Indigenous rights holders. For example, researchers can explore how data can be coordinated with Indigenous expertise and worldviews so that life relations between people, places, animals and ancestors are recognized.

“We really wanted to identify ways to build research infrastructure so that we can make the various knowledge systems more comprehensive,” said Chair of the new Indigenous Data Governance Task Force for Global Biodiversity Information Facilities. says Jennings, who also serves.

Other recommendations include considering the process of obtaining permission to access Indigenous sites, such as land and research permit applications, improving data collection protocols, and improving data and sample management. .

Applying cultural knowledge protocols could help increase indigenous vision and stewardship, including inclusion of Indigenous names related to the location and origin of the material. With regard to specimen management, researchers can explore the prospect of preserving biological samples in indigenously run facilities on Indigenous lands, which recognizes and acknowledges Indigenous worldviews.

Establish contracts with Indigenous partners and communities for data relating to Indigenous peoples, as reported by co-authors. of the process. In some cases, tribal elders and other cultural keepers may need to consult with the project and its data.

Finally, the team should warn that indigenous data will become available online and cite appropriately and appropriately. Optionally, specify whether Indigenous permission was obtained in guidance on how to use the content.

“There’s a global movement taking place around building better data relationships with our ecological systems,” says Jennings. “I think this type of work is planting seeds to create a different type of scientific process that is more reciprocal in relation to Indigenous communities where scientists are invited to work together. The relationship with