Linking Indigenous, local and scientific knowledges and practices in Thailand to global policymaking through IPBES Assessment on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production

UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector, in cooperation with SwedBio, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Centre for Ethnic Studies and Development and Pgakanyaw Association for Sustainable Development are hosting an international seminar on indigenous knowledge of pollinators, pollination and food production at the University of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The seminar introduces the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES), and the outcomes of the IPBES Assessment on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production. IPBES, an intergovernmental knowledge and policy platform, recognising diverse knowledge systems and includes Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in assesments through a Participatory Mechanism.

The seminar is an opportunity for indigenous peoples and local communities to share reflections on their experience of the Pollinator Assessment and to be in dialogue with scientists and policy-makers on key messages, implications, policy opportunity and national policy development.

Indigenous knowledge holders have been involved in the Assessment and will have reviewed the outcomes of the Assessment prior to the seminar. This knowledge is held in diverse indigenous languages. The prior outcomes dialogue and the public event in Chiang Mai is supported by the Karen community of Hin Lad Nai, Chiang Rai and will include indigenous knowledge holders from Africa, Central and South America, Oceania and from South and South East Asia. Science authors and experts will be present along with the Government of Thailand.