Kankana-ey-Ilocano, Professor of Mathematics, the University of the Philippines Baguio and member of the IPBES Task Force on ILK (2014-2018)

Many of the complex environmental problems we face today have been brought about by the dogged pursuit of economic growth. This has left behind many of the world’s marginalized populations, including indigenous peoples and local communities, with long-lasting and disastrous impact on our territories and communities. We are in a moment where the world is belatedly acknowledging the tremendous importance of indigenous and local knowledge systems. There is growing recognition that indigenous and local knowledge provides useable and valuable information that can help reverse the damage wrought by current models of development.

While it is important to continue making our voices heard at the international and regional levels, at IPBES and other policy-making bodies, it is equally, if not even more important, to ensure that ILK is continually practiced, nurtured and strengthened in our communities. In this, the Centers of Distinction on Indigenous and Local Knowledge have a critical role to play.