Global Consortium for Sustainability Outcomes - Language for Sustainability: Sustaining Biodiversity and Biocultures

ASU is part of the Global Consortium for Sustainability Outcomes (GCSO), a global network of universities dedicated to scaling sustainability solutions with like-minded partners around the world. One of the projects with Mexico is Language for Sustainability. 

Over 90% of our global cultural diversity and 80% of our biodiversity is estimated to be represented and inhabited by 300+ million Indigenous Peoples and local communities comprised of 5,000 ethnic groups. However, while Indigenous Peoples have historically been effective ecological stewards of their lands, development pressure and limited access to the global economy have raised concerns about over-exploitation of their environment. This has created the paradox that Indigenous Peoples are, at the same time, uniquely situated and qualified to actively and cost-effectively protect biodiversity, but lacking adequate income opportunities, forcing them to discontinue stewardship in favor of seeking alternative livelihoods.

This GCSO-funded project will implement and scale a solution that synergizes biodiversity conservation and biocultural revival. ‘Language for Sustainability’ is a program that will (1) co-produce knowledge through biodiversity monitoring and other science-based conservation practices; (2) provide cash opportunities that encourage stewardship and discourage exploitative hunting; and (3) promote intercultural dialogue to build trust and value in indigenous biocultural knowledge and stewardship practices.

GCSO member institutions will work with local partners to implement and scale these solutions. The Andes-Amazon Field School and Conservation International are already working collectively throughout the region to promote interpersonal relations between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Peoples to highlight commitment to place and foster stewardship. These implementation partners provide knowledge and agreements with local Indigenous People that will be critical for successful outcomes.