PARIS, France: Zamlha Tempa Gyaltsen, an environment researcher attending the ongoing Climate Conference in Paris urged the world and the Chinese government to respect the immense wisdom of the indigenous people and Tibetan nomads in protecting the environment.
Mr Tempa Gyaltsen was speaking alongside other speakers from indigenous communities at the panel “The Vision of Indigenous People to Cope with Climate Change’ held in the Nelson Mandela hall, the biggest hall at the COP21 Civil Society venue. The talk was attended by over 300 other delegates and environmentalists.
He began the talk by highlighting the global importance of the Tibetan plateau as the Roof of the World, the Third pole and the water source of Asia. He also talked about the wisdom of Tibetan nomads and their sustainable way of life, describing Tibet as the most beautiful plateau on earth where an ancient culture flourishes in harmony with nature. However, he expressed concern that both the land and people of Tibet are currently facing a severe threat from climate change and repressive Chinese policies.
He further added that Tibetan nomads are removed from their traditional way of life without any choice and consultation by the Chinese government. He ended his address by earnestly emphasising the need to respect the traditional and cultural wisdom of the local community.
– Report filed by Environment and Development Desk, DIIR –
