Kaitiakitanga: A Proclamation for Indigenous Active Agency in Climate Change in Aotearoa, New Zealand
- Author
- Heke M, Rewi S
- Year
- 2024
- Journal / Source
- Environmental Justice (ahead of print??)
- Number
- https://doi.org/10.1089/env.2023.0056
- Summary
- Background: Sea level rise (SLR) is complex issue that will impact many low-lying coastal areas globally. Indigenous peoples will be disproportionately affected by SLR owing to colonization creating obstacles that prevent effective Indigenous responses. Methods: Engaging with a coastal Māori community in Northland, New Zealand, our research team developed shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) projections using a digital elevation model (DEM), to strengthen the community’s understanding of how SLR will impact their tribal area. Results: By 2150, all projections show that study site will see the inundation of infrastructure and road access to the site, including the community’s marae (ancestral gathering place) and access to burial grounds. Discussion: Response to SLR is urgent and requires autonomous community-level action. Kaitiakitanga as an environmental ethic is a core driver of Māori climate change response and centers the Indigenous community as active agents. Conclusion: Unimpeded Māori responses to SLR requires the reclamation of land and natural resource governance to achieve synchrony with the environment and beneficial outcomes for coastal Māori communities.