Center for Life Ethics
Schaumburg-Lippe-Straße 7
D-53113 Bonn
Center for Life Ethics
Schaumburg-Lippe-Straße 7
D-53113 Bonn
Indigenous food systems play a crucial role in promoting ecological and socio-economic sustainability, yet they continue to be overlooked in scientific research and policy development. In her talk, Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano will explore various ways to define Indigenous knowledge and how our answers determine how Indigenous knowledge can be used and integrated with/in other knowledge systems. Utilizing her innovative 'Khipu Model' Dr. Huambachano will illustrate how knowledge can be integrated and intertwined in ways that are culturally appropriate and ethically sound. She will also discuss the persistent challenges faced in safeguarding Indigenous autonomy and cultural integrity within the expansive realm of global policy frameworks. By advocating for a richer understanding and political recognition of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, Dr. Huambachano argues that we can catalyze meaningful transformations in our food systems.
The Center for Life Ethics, the United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) are pleased to invite academics and students to participate in person or online. This lecture will be held in English.
Please note that places for in-person participation are limited due to the size of the room and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please register to attend this event and indicate whether you attend in person or online following the below registration link.
The zoom link will be will be sent to you in time for the event.
Prof. Dr. Christiane Woopen (Center for Life Ethics), Prof. Dr. Xiaomeng Shen (UNU-EHS)
Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano
June 17, 2025
4:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Center for Life Ethics
Schaumburg-Lippe-Str. 7
53113 Bonn
English
A native Peruvian Indigenous scholar, Dr. Mariaelena Huambachano is an Associate Professor of Environmental Humanities and Indigenous Studies at Syracuse University, helping to build the Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice Center. Her research and teaching are rooted in an interdisciplinary approach to Indigenous Studies, Food Systems, Environmental Studies, and Sustainable Development. Dr. Huambachano actively contributes to UNESCO, High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) and UNDP, initiatives to elevate the significance of Indigenous knowledge in driving positive global change. She is a Lead Author in the UNESCO IPBES 'values' assessment of nature policy report and in two recent High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition Reports. Recently, UNESCO nominated Dr. Huambachano to the Indigenous and Local Knowledge Expert task force for the mandate 2024-2028. Her book, 'Recovering our Ancestral Foodways: Indigenous Traditions as a Recipe for Living Well', is a celebration of the lore of Quechua and Māori and of the world’s Indigenous peoples in safeguarding food systems, innovation, practices, and, ultimately, the well-being of humankind.
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