Ideas worth spreading

Indigenous knowledge meets science to take on climate change

1,340,065 views |

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim |

TEDWomen 2019

• December 2019

To tackle a problem as large as climate change, we need both science and Indigenous wisdom, says environmental activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim. In this engaging talk, she shares how her nomadic community in Chad is working closely with scientists to restore endangered ecosystems -- and offers lessons on how to create more resilient communities.

To tackle a problem as large as climate change, we need both science and Indigenous wisdom, says environmental activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim. In this engaging talk, she shares how her nomadic community in Chad is working closely with scientists to restore endangered ecosystems -- and offers lessons on how to create more resilient communities.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Environmental activist

See speaker profile

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous peoples, along with their knowledge and traditions, in the global movement to fight climate change.

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Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT)

I founded my nonprofit in Chad to mobilize indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge to provide solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation. Indigenous peoples around the world are already experiencing the direct impact of climate change. These frontline communities are not only victims of broken systems which have led to this climate crisis but are also part of the solution. Together we launched community-led mapping projects in Chad's pastoral areas, advancing more resilient agriculture, creating first-time dialogue between local farmers and pastoralists resulting in more shared natural resources and a decrease in conflicts.

TFI Production, 2012 | Watch

Espoir de Vie: Spedizione in Ciad Ushuaïa Nature

This is my favorite short video showing the nature, wildlife and beauty of Chad and my indigenous peoples. It is narrated by Nicolas Hulot, the former French Minister of Ecology, journalist and environmental activist.

David Nathaniel Berger | International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, 2019 | Book

The Indigenous World 2019 Report

I am a co-author of the International Working Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) 2019 report. The Indigenous World is a one-of-a-kind documentation tool that offers a comprehensive yearly overview of the developments indigenous peoples experience around the world. The book serves as inspiration to raise global awareness of the rights of indigenous peoples, their struggles, their worldviews and their resilience.

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Conservation International

One of my favorite conservation organizations is Conservation International. The organization recognizes that indigenous peoples and nature are integral to solving the climate crisis. Conservation International has supported me through a Lui-Walton Senior Indigenous fellowship that helped expand my ability to have greater impact and help my community in Chad.

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National Geographic

There is something special about National Geographic. The stories, photography and maps reveal new places, history, science and traditions. This knowledge brings us together as a global community with a better understanding of our different cultures. I was so excited to become a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and join a network of changemakers making a difference everywhere.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.