Conference Agenda

ID: 575 / 2.04.5: 1

Data Sovereignty and Ethical Approaches to Indigenous Knowledge in Space-Based Biodiversity Monitoring

Diana Mastracci^1,2, Jason Duffe³, Kyla M Dahlin⁴, Adriana Uscanga⁵, Gabrielle Crowe⁶, Elsa M Ordway⁷, Erin Hestir⁸, Axayactazi Kuauhtzin⁹

1 Space4innovation; 2 GEO Indigenous Alliance; 3 Environment and Climate Change Canada ECCC; 4 Michigan State University, USA; 5 University of Minnesota, USA; 6 Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation of Southern California; 7 University of California Los Angeles; 8 University of California Merced; 9 Stanford University

Indigenous communities manage millions of square kilometers of land that include some of the most biodiverse and ecologically intact parts of the terrestrial biosphere and increasing awareness has been placed on the need to collaborate with and equitably engage Indigenous communities and Indigenous scientists in land management and conservation. For genetic resources, the Nagoya Protocol has guided benefit sharing for over a decade, incentivizing parties to ensure prior and informed consent or approval and involvement when traditional knowledge is shared.

With the expanding role of Earth Observation (EO) technologies in biodiversity monitoring and a growing emphasis within government agencies on open science, it is essential to address the ethical, cultural, and legal dimensions of integrating Indigenous knowledge into these systems. This workshop will explore the critical concept of Indigenous data sovereignty, ensuring that Indigenous communities retain ownership, control, and access to their data in a manner that aligns with their values and rights. Participants will learn about real-world case studies showcasing collaborations where Indigenous communities and researchers have co-designed biodiversity monitoring frameworks that uphold Indigenous data sovereignty while enhancing scientific insights. We will discuss key aspects of ethical data practices, including the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), the establishment of culturally sensitive data-sharing agreements, and the development of equitable partnerships that respect Indigenous data sovereignty. This workshop is designed for researchers, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to advancing ethical and respectful approaches to using Indigenous knowledge in biodiversity monitoring. This session aspires to create a foundation for lasting, respectful collaborations between Indigenous communities and the global EO research community in safeguarding biodiversity.