Have you heard of Kitasu Bay? Let’s look back on the first marine protected area (MPA) declared under Indigenous law! #ClimateJusticeFridays

After 20 years of back and forth with the Canadian federal government, the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation took matters into their own hands last year when they declared the creation of a new MPA, closing Kitasu Bay in British Columbia off to commercial and sport fishing. The nation has historically relied on local fish populations for food and cultural purposes, but overfishing has depleted the waters for decades with little government intervention.

Despite lacking government approval, the unprecedented declaration was informed by months of consultation with industry and community stakeholders. Coastal nations may be tired of negotiation deadlocks, but they are ultimately eager to partner with the Canadian government. Indigenous protected areas like Kitasu Bay demonstrate the potential for collaborative conservation.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/03/canada-first-nation-that-unilaterally-declared-a-marine-protected-area?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

#ClimateJusticeFridays
Let’s start the weekend with a historic #climatejustice story!

A group of over 2,000 elderly Swiss women - the Club of Climate Seniors - are taking the Swiss government to the European Court of Human Rights. They claim that Switzerland’s climate change policy is violating their right to life and health. These claims highlight the ways older women suffer more from increasing heatwaves, emphasising the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and the elderly.

After six years of dead-ends in domestic courts, this marks the first time the ECHR will hear a case linking climate change impacts to human rights. This would set a precedent for all 46 ECHR member states - local communities evidently have the power to mobilise unprecedented change, no matter their age!

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65107800

#ClimateJusticeFridays
Let’s celebrate the UN #HighSeasTreaty! It will be essential to achieving the UN's 30x30 pledge and mitigating #climatechange.

The treaty also includes measures to support marine research from Global South countries, reflecting global priorities.

While we celebrate the treaty, let's also recognise its procedural justice limits in "closed-door deals" excluding smaller delegations - major strides are still needed for true #climatejustice.

Source: http://ow.ly/VbRu50Nk4l2

Let’s start the weekend with another recent #climatejustice win!

This is the second major US government action we’ve highlighted in the past weeks. Governments clearly have an important part to play in achieving climate justice, and the Indigenous communities that have spearheaded these victories show us the progress that can be made when we listen to Indigenous voices.

#ClimateJusticeFridays

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64428423

Let’s celebrate some good news in #climatejustice!

Last month, President Biden signed legislation that will give multiple Native American tribes the authority to lease their rights of parts of the Colorado River in Arizona.

This move is a major win for #tribalsovereignty. Underserved indigenous reservations will gain funds to build infrastructure, access clean water, and hold leverage as governments deal with an ongoing water crisis.

#ClimateJusticeFridays

Source: https://apnews.com/article/biden-colorado-river-droughts-arizona-flagstaff-b78e1ca2ad30290510d619fd02305e21