Background

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India has launched one of the world’s most ambitious renewable energy programmes, with the goal of achieving 175 GW of renewable capacity[ solar and wind energy] by 2022, and 450 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The Energy Transitions Commission thus works on pathways for transition to a decarbonised power sector in India to limit new coal based generation. The availability of reliable electricity has been an important requirement for India. A key challenge, however, is decarbonisation of electricity generation to make it sustainable and meet India’s climate goals.

State govt of Arunachal Pradesh was set to launch 50,000 MW of hydropower potential while other RE options of 175 GW have taken lead in the centre today. This decision has often led to unwanted conflicts between the indigenous people and the state govt. which needs to be properly addressed in current times where large hydropower is deemed not sustainable according to the World Commission of Dams. Arunachal is also a seismic zones that stands as world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, culturally protected and sustained by its indigenous people.

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Conservation in the pretext of decarbonisation wihtout due deligence to FPIC is another issue that has struck the state of arunachal pradesh especially in the local area of the Idu Mishmi community. With decarbonisation as a national agenda an india’s commitment to the paris agreement, it is vital that we draw attention to community participation of indigenous people who thrive and sustain in our natural environment. The attempt of this session will be on realisation of IPs contribution to the climate action and resolution as the guardians of nature.

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About the session

 

The session Indigenous Sovereignty and Just Transitions aims to explore the implications of achieving SDGs like SDG 7 [Affordable and clean energy ] and SDG 13 [Climate action] and United Nations Guiding Principles [UNGPs] vis a vis FPIC [Free, Prior and Informed Consent] for the local tribes of Arunachal Pradesh while the world is progressing towards just energy transitions. 

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The session will explore the experiences of IPs especially the Idu Mishmis and Adis of Dibang, Lower Dibang Valley and Siang in Arunachal Pradesh who are raising issues that emerge from the global and national push towards decarbonisation and conservation. It aims to explore the IPs knowledge base and cultural heritage that needs to be integrated into the larger dialogue of climate action.

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Objectives

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The key objectives of this session are to:

• Discuss indigenous solutions to the Paris Agreement: IPs as the guardians of nature in the case of Idu Mishmis and their relationship with tigers

• Improve understanding of development frameworks in the context of just energy transitions, with specific reference to Siang dams: Whether IPs, as key stakeholders, can sustain large hydropower in the most eco-sensitive hotspot

• Integrate IPs in international agenda and forums in relation to the UNGPs: Incorporate FPIC and build community stewardship in India for fulfillment of the Paris Agreement