Source: UN Web TV
On July 15, 2025, at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPFSD) Science Day in New York, Dr. Mary Blair, Associate Director at the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History, addressed the importance of Indigenous knowledge and transdisciplinary research. As a descendant of Sámi reindeer herders from Guovdageaidnu, Norway, Dr. Blair shared a case study rooted in her heritage and collaborative work with the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry.
She highlighted the long-standing practice of reindeer husbandry in Sápmi, describing it as a resilient, human-nature coupled system rich in Indigenous knowledge. However, she warned that climate change, land degradation, and barriers to the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge now threaten the sustainability of Arctic pastoralist cultures.
Dr. Blair discussed two interlinked projects addressing these challenges. The first, led by the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry and supported by the Global Environment Facility and UNEP, focuses on building a knowledge base and enhancing resilience among Indigenous youth. The second, which she leads and is funded by NASA, applies a transdisciplinary approach combining satellite data and Indigenous knowledge to monitor pasture degradation and support adaptation strategies for herders.
Her remarks underscored that Indigenous-led scientific models are critical for sustainable development. She advocated for halting land degradation, integrating Indigenous knowledge equitably into science and governance, and reforming research practices to prioritize ethical, reciprocal collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Dr. Blair called for the creation of binding agreements and ethical frameworks before research or industrial projects are conducted on Indigenous lands. These recommendations align with those from the Indigenous Peoples’ Major Group on the SDGs.
She concluded by inviting attendees to a workshop in Norway this September to mark the 20th anniversary of the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry and to further advance transdisciplinary science with strong Indigenous participation in the upcoming International Polar Year.
