IRCI’s Asia-Pacific Research Forum for ICH Safeguarding in conjunction with its new project ‘Research on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Climate Change in the Asia-Pacific Region’ is hosting the 8th Online Seminar for Safeguarding ICH in the Asia-Pacific Region on 26 February 2025.

Ms Lisa Hiwasaki, Assistant Professor, Department of Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island, USA; Associate researcher, Institut en environnement, développement et société (Institut EDS), Université Laval, Canada, is invited as Lecturer to present on how Indigenous and Local Communities, particularly in coastal Southeast Asia, have traditionally used their knowledge to adapt to crises, including climate change and increased disaster risk. The presentation aims to explore how these communities can continue adapting to multiple stressors while ensuring their traditional knowledge remains viable and contributes to equitable adaptation strategies.

The seminar is open to the public. Anyone interested in the topic is welcome to join upon registration.

We look forward to your participation.

*************************

Date & Time:  Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 10:00–11:30 JST (UCT+9)

Title:                Leveraging local and indigenous knowledge to enhance adaptive capacity: Examples from
                          Southeast Asian coastal communities

Lecturer:         Lisa Hiwasaki (Assistant Professor, Department of Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island, USA;
                          Associate researcher, Institut en environnement, développement et société (Institut EDS),
                          Université Laval, Canada)
                        Lisa Hiwasaki is a social scientist exploring vulnerability, equity and adaptive capacities of coastal
                        communities in Southeast Asia. Her research is based on more than 20 years of experience working
                        with the UN and international research organizations. Currently based in the US, she has worked
                        and lived in Japan, France, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Canada.

Abstract:         Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities have long relied on their own knowledge to overcome
                        crises, and they continue to do so today. As they face multiple stressors—including climate change
                        and increased disaster risk—challenges to their adaptive capacities remain. In this seminar, I share
                        some knowledge and practices used by coastal communities in Southeast Asia that have enabled
                        them to adapt to various changes. I will then address questions such as: How can these communities
                        continue to adapt to these myriad stressors in an uncertain future? How can we support adaptations
                        in ways that do not reinforce existing vulnerabilities or create new ones? How we respond to these
                        questions will be crucial to ensure that such knowledge continues to thrive, enabling equitable adaptation.

Language:       English

How to Join:   Click HERE for registration (Registration deadline: 25 February 2025 (JST))

*************************

Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us.

IRCI Secretariat
TEL: +81-72-275-8050
Email: irci@nich.go.jp