The need to include indigenous peoples as ‘expert’ consultants in India's apex committee for implementation of the Paris agreement

Jamwal, Kanika (2021) The need to include indigenous peoples as ‘expert’ consultants in India's apex committee for implementation of the Paris agreement. Environmental Law Review, 23 (3). pp. 203-209. ISSN 14614529

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Abstract

This opinion argues for including indigenous peoples as ‘expert’ consultants in India's Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement. Alongside its monitoring and reporting functions, the Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement is expected to perform substantive functions, including, developing policies and programmes to make India's domestic climate actions compliant with its international obligations under the Paris Agreement. The argument is based on the understanding that indigenous peoples possess a deeper understanding of their ecosystems and share a special relationship with it. Therefore, their knowledge is key to sustainable ecosystem management. At the same time, a co-dependent relationship with Nature makes them disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Unlike other vulnerable groups, the impact on indigenous peoples ripples beyond their economic survival, and threatens their collective physical and spiritual identity. Accordingly, this opinion suggests direct participation of indigenous peoples in conceptualising and implementing policies and programmes aimed at addressing climate change. To that end, it problematizes the narrow understanding of ‘experts’ reflected in the gazette notification establishing the Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement, and draws upon United Nations’ practice(s) enabling participation of indigenous peoples as 'experts' in its specialised agencies and organs. Accordingly, the opinion also suggests a potential means to operationalize their inclusion in the Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA) | Build back better | Climate change | CO2 | Collective action | Inclusivity | Indigenous peoples
Subjects: Physical, Life and Health Sciences > Environmental Science, Policy and Law
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Law and Legal Studies
JGU School/Centre: Jindal Global Law School
Depositing User: Mr. Syed Anas
Date Deposited: 24 Dec 2021 11:25
Last Modified: 05 Jan 2022 16:27
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/14614529211041723
Additional Information: I am grateful to the ELR Editor, ELR Opinions Editor and the anonymous ELR reviewer for their instructive feedback. I am also grateful to Abhinav for his comments on an earlier version of this opinion.
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/401

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