Indigenous food systems are a crucial repository of traditional knowledge and biodiversity, playing a vital role in sustainable diets and food security (Kuhnlein, Eme & Larrinoa, 2019). These systems are rooted in cultural practices and spirituality; they are resilient to climate change, epidemics, and nutritional issues (Swiderska, Argumedo, Wekesa, Ndalilo, Song, Rastogi & Ryan, 2022). Despite contributing positively to diets, Indigenous Peoples are facing significant threats to their food systems from environmental degradation, marginalization, and loss of traditional knowledge. It is important to recognize that understanding indigenous peoples' sustainable food systems respects cultural heritage and ecological integrity. An examination of Indigenous food systems must focus not only on sustenance but also on encompassing a wealth of traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations. It is worth noting that the indigenous food system operates within a framework of biodiversity, utilizing local plants and animals in a way that enhances ecosystem resilience. The HLPE-FSN consultation emphasizes the need to include indigenous perspectives in food policy frameworks, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples as guardians of biodiversity and promoters of sustainable practices.
Advancing Indigenous knowledge systems should be actively integrated into food policies at all levels, both nationally and internationally. This means that Indigenous Peoples should be encouraged to participate in global decision-making while acknowledging their rights to their lands and resources. Integrating Indigenous communities’ ownership will lead to innovative solutions for sustainable food security and climate change (Kuhnlein & Chotiboriboon, 2022). There is a need for global institutions such as the UN to develop a comprehensive approach that values Indigenous practices to enhance food sovereignty, promoting resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Finally, the HLPE-FSN consultation offers a crucial platform for supporting the integration of Indigenous understanding into modern food systems, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in achieving global food security and sustainability.
References
Kuhnlein, H.V., Eme, P.E. and Larrinoa, Y.F. (2019). Indigenous food systems: contributions to sustainable food systems and sustainable diets. Sustainable diets: linking nutrition and food systems.
Swiderska, K., Argumedo, A., Wekesa, C., Ndalilo, L., Song, Y., Rastogi, A. and Ryan, P. (2022). Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and Biocultural Heritage: Addressing Indigenous Priorities Using Decolonial and Interdisciplinary Research Approaches. Sustainability.
Kuhnlein, H.V., & Chotiboriboon, S. (2022). Why and How to Strengthen Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems with Examples from Two Unique Indigenous Communities. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
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