Indigenous Water and Drought Management in a Changing World

Indigenous Water and Drought Management in a Changing World provides insights into how different Indigenous groups are dealing with water management challenges and finding creative solutions. It highlights the impacts of global climate change on Indigenous communities and the need for culturally relevant tools and policies to address these issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Indigenous Water and Drought Management in a Changing World is a comprehensive collection of global case studies that explore the diverse approaches taken by different Indigenous groups to address water management challenges. This volume, with contributions from Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics, scientists, and water management experts, provides an overview of key water management issues specific to Indigenous peoples, proposes potential policy solutions at the international and national levels, and outlines culturally relevant tools for assessing vulnerability and building capacity.

In recent decades, the impact of global climate change, particularly drought, has intensified water management challenges, particularly in drought-prone regions where rising average temperatures and decreasing precipitation are leading to water crises. Indigenous groups, native to these regions, possess deep insights into the localized impacts of global environmental change and are increasingly developing their own adaptation and mitigation strategies and solutions based on local Indigenous knowledge (IK).

However, Indigenous groups face mounting pressure from extractive industries such as mining and forestry, which further threaten their water resources. The various cases presented in Indigenous Water and Drought Management in a Changing World offer valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in preserving their water resources, as well as actionable information that can inform future scientific research and policymaking aimed at developing more integrated, region-specific, and culturally sensitive approaches to water management.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the importance of Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices in water management. Indigenous groups have centuries of experience managing water resources and have developed unique approaches that are tailored to their specific cultural contexts and environmental conditions. These practices often involve close relationships with the land, water, and other natural resources, as well as a deep understanding of ecological systems and their dynamics.

The case studies presented in the volume demonstrate how Indigenous groups are leveraging their IK to adapt to changing water conditions and develop sustainable water management practices. For example, in the Andes Mountains of South America, Indigenous communities have developed traditional irrigation systems that utilize water from snowmelt and rainfall to irrigate their crops. These systems are highly efficient and sustainable, as they rely on natural processes and do not require the use of fossil fuels or other non-renewable resources.

Similarly, in the Australian Outback, Indigenous groups have developed water management practices that prioritize the conservation and restoration of wetlands and other water-rich ecosystems. These practices involve the use of indigenous vegetation, which helps to retain water and prevent soil erosion, and the implementation of sustainable grazing practices that minimize the impact of livestock on water resources.

Another important theme in the volume is the role of governance and policy in water management. While Indigenous groups have historically been marginalized in water management decision-making processes, there is growing recognition of the importance of their perspectives and expertise. The case studies presented in the volume highlight the need for inclusive and participatory governance structures that involve Indigenous groups in water management decision-making processes.

Furthermore, the volume proposes potential policy solutions that can support the sustainable management of water resources. These solutions include the recognition and protection of Indigenous water rights, the development of integrated water management plans that consider the needs of both human and natural systems, and the promotion of renewable energy sources that can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.

In conclusion, Indigenous Water and Drought Management in a Changing World is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the complex challenges of water management and developing effective solutions. The volume provides a comprehensive overview of key water management issues specific to Indigenous peoples, proposes potential policy solutions, and outlines culturally relevant tools for assessing vulnerability and building capacity. By highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, as well as the role of governance and policy in water management, this volume contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and equitable water management for all.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 187 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128245385