Publications

Vital Arctic Graphics - People and Global Heritageon our Last Wils Sores
This UNEP/GRID-Arendal publication is a compilation of illustrations and case studies describing the Arctic, the livelihoods of Arctic indigenous peoples and the future well being of this region. It summarizes some of the key threats to the future sustainability of the Arctic including the rapid pace of climate change, worrying levels of persistent organic and heavy metal pollutants, and increasing natural resource exploitation.

Meeting Report of Coordinators of the Project on Capacity-Building
Meeting of Coordinators of the Project on Capacity-Building through Partnership and Information and Communication Technology for Using Indigenous Knowledge for Nature Conservation and Natural Disaster Management in Africa

This report presents the outcomes of a meeting that was convened in November 2004, in Nairobi, Kenya. The main goal of the meeting was to foster dialogue among project experts and to deliberate on the way forward for the successful implementation of project activities related to the use of traditional knowledge for nature conservation and disaster management.

Women and the Environment - [English],[Français]],[Española]
Launched at the third session of the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues, this publication makes visible the often hidden links between women and the environment, with an explicit focus on the gender-related aspects of land, water and biodiversity conservation and management. UNEP hopes that Women and the Environment will inspire the environmental and sustainable development community to better understand the importance of gender, and to integrate a gender perspective in all its work.

Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity for Sustainable Development
This booklet is the summary of a high-level roundtable on "Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity for Sustainable Development", convened by UNEP together with UNESCO during the WSSD in Johannesburg 2002. Chaired by French President Jacques Chirac, this prominent interdisciplinary panel, which included the Heads of State of New Zealand and Mozambique, Ministers from India and Iran, as well as Nobel Prize Laureates Ms. Rigoberta Menchu Tum and Mr. Wole Soyinka, underlined the importance of respecting and integrating the diversity of nature and culture as a prerequisite for sustainable development. It also examined ways and means to  deepen the dialogue on cultural diversity and biodiversity as well as how to develop a global environmental ethic benefiting fully from the culture, knowledge and skills of indigenous peoples.

Cultural and Spiritual Values of Biodiversity - A Complementary Contribution to the Global Biodiversity Assessment
Weaving together philosophical, historical, legal, scientific and personal viewpoints, this book gives a rich sample of the vast web that makes up our cultural, spiritual and social diversity. The volume highlights the central importance of cultural and spiritual values in the appreciation and preservation of all life and argues that these values give us a true reflection. It demonstrates how many cultures see nature as an extension of society, and how sensitive stewardship is an integral part of sustainable development.

Magazines

TUNZA - The UNEP Magazine for Youth - Volume 2, Issue 2: Indigenous Knowledge and Environment
This issue of TUNZA - The UNEP Magazine for Youth shows how traditional knowledge of indigenous people can be a resource for a more environmentally friendly way of life in different cultures. It argues that indigenous groups should be treated with respect, granted the right to live on their original lands and to lead their traditional way of life. A cooperative attitude towards indigenous people can therefore be of great value for both sides: indigenous ways of life can be preserved and other people can learn from the indigenous communities' close relationship to nature for their own prosperity