Weaving Indigenous Knowledge in Food Systems Transformation
Indigenous food systems play a crucial role in promoting ecological and socio-economic sustainability, yet they continue to be overlooked in scientific research and policy development. Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano will explore various ways to define Indigenous knowledge and how our answers determine how Indigenous knowledge can be used and integrated with/in other knowledge systems. Utilizing her innovative 'Khipu Model' Dr. Huambachano will illustrate how knowledge can be integrated and intertwined in ways that are culturally appropriate and ethically sound. By advocating for a richer understanding and political recognition of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, Dr. Huambachano argues that we can catalyze meaningful transformations in our food systems.
Registration period
Monday, 16.06.25
Time
Tuesday, 17.06.25 - 04:30 PM
- 07:00 PM
Event format
Talk
Topic
Ethics, Indigenous knowledge, Food Systems
Speaker
Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano: A native Peruvian Indigenous scholar, Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano is an Associate Professor of Environmental Humanities and Indigenous Studies at Syracuse University, helping to build the Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice Center. Her research and teaching are rooted in an interdisciplinary approach to Indigenous Studies, Food Systems, Environmental Studies, and Sustainable Development. Dr. Huambachano actively contributes to UNESCO, High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) and UNDP, initiatives to elevate the significance of Indigenous knowledge in driving positive global change. She is a Lead Author in the UNESCO IPBES 'values' assessment of nature policy report and in two recent High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition Reports. Recently, UNESCO nominated Dr. Huambachano to the Indigenous and Local Knowledge Expert task force for the mandate 2024-2028. Her book, 'Recovering our Ancestral Foodways: Indigenous Traditions as a Recipe for Living Well', is a celebration of the lore of Quechua and Māori and of the world’s Indigenous peoples in safeguarding food systems, innovation, practices, and, ultimately, the well-being of humankind.
Target groups
Students
Researchers
All interested
Languages
English
Location
Schaumburg-Lippe-Straße 5, 53113 Bonn
Spots
70
Reservation
required
Registration/Ticket
Additional Information
Organizer
Center for Life Ethics, United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Contact