Guidance Note on Health Disaster Risk Management with Indigenous Peoples

Abstract

For centuries, indigenous peoples around the world have used their traditional knowledge to prepare for, cope with and survive disasters. Their methods and practices originated within their communities and have been maintained and passed down over generations. Until recently, policy makers have largely ignored this vast body of knowledge, in favor of ‘Western’ science and technologybased methods of disaster risk reduction and response. Today, however, many of these traditional practices are considered important and necessary contributions to the conservation of biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Yet at the same time, this knowledge is under constant threat of being eroded or lost, making these communities more vulnerable... The intended audience for this Guidance Note includes health officials (Ministry of Health, Social Security Institutes, etc.) who work in disaster risk management and emergencies in the Region. Others who may benefit from the information in this Guidance Note include, but are not limited to, indigenous community members and leaders engaged in disaster risk management; Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO) engaged in health disaster risk management with Indigenous Peoples; primary health workers; community development workers; emergency management practitioners; indigenous organizations and network groups; researchers; and academics.