Title: Harnessing science and indigenous knowledge for climate resilience and nature action: A focus on peatlands and coral reefs
Date and time: Tuesday 9th December, 9:30 – 12:00 (EAT)
Venue: Nairobi, Kenya, Mt Kilimanjaro
Video Stream link: YouTube
The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will take place from 8 to 12 December 2025 at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet” .
The Reindeer Herding and Resilience (RHR) project team is participating in UNEA-7 and will speak at the associated event, “Harnessing science and Indigenous knowledge for climate resilience and nature action: A focus on peatlands and coral reefs”.
This event focuses on two at risk ecosystems – peatlands and coral reefs – highlighting the work, approaches and lessons from UNEP and our partners to restore, conserve and sustainably manage these vital ecosystems. Bringing together ministers, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and representatives from global partnerships, the event will feature some of our flagship collaborations from across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The opening segment highlights how UNEP and the Global Peatlands Initiative are advancing policy relevant science and action by linking Indigenous and local knowledge with global research. A video message from the Venice Agreement Community shares how a collective of artists, scientists, activists and Indigenous People are working to protect global peatlands locally. The next segment organised as a “lavvu dialogue” will spotlight the wisdom of the Sámi and Dukha herders of the Arctic and Mongolia in restoring degraded lands and strengthening climate resilience through traditional pastoralist practices. The closing segment then moves from freshwater to the coast, celebrating Indigenous leadership in protecting coral reefs, featuring an inspiring video message from Jason Mamoa, UNEP’s advocate for Life Below Water. The event will wrap up with closing remarks by Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.
In the spirit of the UNEA-7 theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet” this event highlights indigenous people’s role in in protecting and restoring peatlands and coral reefs and governments’ ambition and commitment to work together. It also celebrates Indigenous leadership and local wisdom, and showcasing how science, traditional knowledge, and collaboration can unite to drive lasting action at scale and with speed for nature, people and planet.
