WATER CULTURES OF THE LATIN AMERICA INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (SPECIAL SESSION - REGIONAL PROCESS)

WATER CULTURES OF THE LATIN AMERICA INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (SPECIAL SESSION – REGIONAL PROCESS)

WATER CULTURES OF THE LATIN AMERICA INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

(SPECIAL SESSION – REGIONAL PROCESS)

Contextualization

The session discussed the cultural relations of indigenous peoples with water, which is essentially not just a human right but also a spiritual and ancestral element. In order to understand this connection with water, which is different from the usual, one must promote the connection between people and nature and understand water not only as a resource, but also as an element that ensures sustainability, and the maintenance of indigenous peoples culture and tradition. According to the discussion, not only do indigenous people have this connection, but everyone (rural and urban populations) should be linked to this perception.

Recommendations

It is recommended to understand the spiritual dimension of water for indigenous peoples considering its maintenance on the planet. It is also recommended to integrate and promote the exchange of knowledge between indigenous peoples and political authorities on water management, especially to the knowledge of women from indigenous communities, who know how to manage it. It is also urgent to minimize the territorial political clashes between traditional peoples and economic sector agents, as indigenous peoples guard springs and water sources ensuring their sustainability and preservation. It is proposed that UNESCO set up a water forum for young people and indigenous peoples to unite and debate with this public on solutions and knowledge exchange for water management. Strengthening the involvement of women as agents of care and sharing of water is recommended. Finally, it is recommended that traditional peoples build a committee of political influence in decision-making on water laws, which will result in greater international political visibility to promote justice to traditional peoples facing the impunity in their countries.

Conclusions

It is necessary to listen to the ancestors, to establish a balance between the indigenous worldview and the western worldview. In the indigenous worldview, water is a living being, and as a living being is also a divine being. These peoples are guardian beings who protect the water in their springs and, when there is human interference in imbalance with nature in these spaces, it endangers the preservation of water. Thus, actions to strengthen the participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making are essential to ensure a good water management.