Indigenous Peoples Assessment on Climate Change and Biocultural Diversity for Future Adaptation Strategies:

Hin Lek Fai Village, Doi Kaew Sub-district, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Implemented by: The Community Study Team and Indigenous Peoples Foundation for Education and Environment (IPF)
Presented by: Sakda Saenmi, 27th September 2011, Sevettijarvi, Finland

The overall objective of assessment

To enhance indigenous peoples capacity in assessing impacts of climate change to their livelihoods, ecosystem, and develop indigenous strategies to adapt to climate change based on their traditional knowledge.

Specific objectives:
To better understand the impacts of climate change on their community, livelihoods, ecosystem. To develop appropriate tools and methodologies for the community to use in assessing the impacts of climate change and to enhance their participation for effectively engaging in national dialogue on climate change policy and plans with concerned government agencies.

Specific objectives (Contd)

To assess the impacts of climate change using indigenous inquiry methods developed by community. To develop community strategies for future adaptation to climate change and expansion of activities to new target communities. To enhance coordination and cooperation with local and national authorities

Study Framework
Survival and well-being of community Traditional livelihoods system - Terraced paddy field - Dry rice field - Animal husbandry - Forest gatherings and hunting

Climate change Direct drivers - Rising temperature Change of precipitation

- Ecosystem service and natural resource management - Land rights

External factors - Government resource management policy - Land use change

Impacts of climate change to traditional livelihoods system

Methodology of Assessment
Understanding concept and background of the project

Methodology (Contd)
Establishment of working committee and local assessment team

Methodology (Contd)
Development and adjustment of conceptual framework on climate change impact assessment

Methodology (Contd)
Design indigenous inquiry (issues, tool kit and methods)

Methodologies (Contd)
Testing of tool kit

Methodology (Contd)
Development of work plan and adaptive strategy in responding to the impact of climate change

Methodology (Contd)
Information gathering and analysis

Contents of study report-Thailand

Chapter I Introduction Chapter II Basic Data on Hin Lek Fai Village Chapter III Traditional Knowledge on Weather and Climate Chapter IV Traditional Farming System Chapter V Natural Resources and Management Chapter VI Findings and proposed responses to the impacts of climate change

Basic Data on Hin Lek Fai Village

Ler Thi Tha (in Karen) 1,200-1,300 m. above sea level. Located >180 years. Population: 286 people (69 HHs/76 Families) No school

Indigenous Knowledge about the insects and animals behaviors

Termites make noise and make new anthill Ants walk in a long line and carry its eggs

It will rain soon Rain will come soon

Traditional paddy production

Na Don (Chi Phae Kho) = Normal terraced paddy field

Na Lom (Chi Law Bleu)

= Swamp paddy field

Rituals relevant to paddy farming

Lueh Thee Baw
Offering to irrigation spirit ceremony, there will be enough water for the paddies all year round.

Methodology (Contd)
Implementation according to the plan

Methodology (Contd)
Drawing lesson learnt and replication of work

Methodology (Contd)
Coordination with government and related agencies

Findings and proposed responses to the impacts of climate change in community level
1. Na Lom (Swamp paddy field) has become Na Don (Terraced paddy filed) and Na Don has become an abandon land 2. Farming cycles of both paddy fields and dry-rice fields were changing 3. Rice yield in terraced paddies harvested this year was greater than last year. 4. Water levels in many creeks are drying up. 5. Variety of plant species in dry rice field were decreasing or disappearing 6. Foods from forest are still rich 7. Some aquatic animals have increased; some have decreased 8. Some insects and small animals increased 9. Animal husbandry is a supplementary occupation for community

Conclusion
This assessment of the impacts of climate change to the community at Hin Lek Fai village had made the villagers become more aware and understanding about the consequences of such impacts. Despite the negative changes, some changes were positive for the community. These findings will help the community to develop a response strategy and work plan to solve their problems and adapt to the impact of climate change in the future. This assessment will also be shared with other communities so that they can conduct their own assessment in their communities.

Next Steps
1. Improvement of existing community map. 2. Finalisation of community adaptation plan. 3. Presentation of community CC. assessment initiative and adaptation w/p to LA & others. 4. Lessons learnt workshop, media development and advocacy. 5. Replication of experience to new indigenous groups and communities. 6. Active responsibility on CC.+REDD thematic issues of National IPs Movement.