Representatives from indigenous peoples around the world have set out demands for participation and share prosperity in the renewable energy transition.
In a statement published today, 87 indigenous peoples’ representatives from 35 countries in all regions set out demands for respect for indigenous peoples’ rights, social equity, cultural integrity, inclusivity, full and effective participation and shared prosperity in the shift to renewable energy.
Representatives met ahead of this week’s UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) to address the pressing issues surrounding a just energy transition in a conference organised from 12-14 April 2024 by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI) and Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (REP).
The statement highlights the central importance of a global shift towards renewable energy but also the “catastrophic failure to respect the rights of indigenous peoples thus far and the damage this is causing to people and planet”.
The statement makes clear that putting indigenous peoples front and centre and supporting their empowerment to spearhead renewable energy initiatives is a key ingredient for delivering a fair, fast and effective energy transition, as well as being essential for self-determined sustainable development.
Participants underlined that at least half of the world’s transition minerals and significant renewable energy potential is located on indigenous peoples’ lands and that there can be no just transition without an approach that respects the rights of those who have held the territories for millennia.
The statement concludes by setting out specific demands for states, companies and energy regulators to deliver a just transition based on respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
These include for states to fast-track divestment from fossil fuels, provide direct, adequate and flexible funding, including access to climate financing mechanisms, and technical and legal capacity-building support to empower indigenous peoples to shape their own present and future in renewable energy development.
For companies and investors, the demands concern fair negotiation and implementation of equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, including co-ownership and co-equity models, that respect indigenous peoples’ rights and contributions and ensure respect to their FPIC.
Energy utilities and regulators are being asked to establish effective mechanisms for full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in planning, implementation, revenue generation and monitoring of energy development projects, as well as ensure access to affordable renewable energy for indigenous peoples’ communities.