Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis commenced a series of events at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Department of the Interior delegation's participation will emphasize progress made under the Biden-Harris administration toward nature-based solutions and clean energy goals. It also addresses drought resilience needs, invests in climate adaptation for communities affected by sea level rise and flooding, and honors Indigenous communities by incorporating Indigenous Knowledge to tackle climate and biodiversity risks.
Daniel-Davis moderated a panel titled "Building Climate Resilience with Indigenous Knowledge," which highlighted efforts to elevate Indigenous Knowledge through consultations with Tribal governments, strengthen relationships with Tribal Nations, and invest in climate resilience programs informed by such knowledge.
She noted the Department's initiatives to increase Tribal co-stewardship of lands and waters while integrating Indigenous Knowledge into its operations. This includes departmental guidance on including and protecting Indigenous Knowledge in decision-making and scientific research, announced by Secretary Deb Haaland at the 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit. Under Secretary Haaland's leadership, a new chapter in the agency’s Departmental Manual recognized Indigenous Knowledge as essential to the Department’s mission.
The panel featured representatives from various organizations, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, International Indian Treaty Council, and Quinault Indian Nation. The Quinault Nation is involved in a Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation Program funded through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda due to its vulnerability to sea level rise and flooding.
This program is part of nearly $560 million invested for Tribal climate resilience through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), supported by several legislative acts. The funding is part of over $50 billion from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda aimed at advancing climate adaptation across vulnerable communities nationwide.
