A/HRC/36/46 rights-based approach to such measures and highlighted that indigenous peoples had not benefited from climate change funds, which were largely market-driven. 14. Since being appointed Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples in 2014, the mandate holder has received an increasing number of allegations concerning situations where climate change mitigation projects have negatively affected the rights of indigenous peoples, notably renewable energy projects such as biofuel production and the construction of hydroelectric dams. 15. Indigenous peoples are, however, not simply victims of climate change but have an important contribution to make to address climate change. Due to their close relationship with the environment, indigenous peoples are uniquely positioned to adapt to climate change. Indigenous peoples are also repositories of learning and knowledge about how to cope successfully with local-level climate change and respond effectively to major environmental changes such as natural disasters. Indigenous peoples play a fundamental role in the conservation of biological diversity and the protection of forests and other natural resources, and their traditional knowledge of the environment can substantively enrich scientific knowledge and adaptation activities when taking climate change-related actions. B. Indigenous peoples’ contributions to adaptation and mitigation strategies 16. As they are among those most affected by climate change, indigenous peoples have for over two decades been demanding greater protection of their human rights and increased participation in the context of international discussions on climate change. They continue to advocate for the development of a human rights-based approach to climate change, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 17. In the early days of climate change law and policy, notably in the negotiations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the early 1990s, indigenous peoples were not involved in any significant way. However, persistent and successful advocacy has resulted in recognition of indigenous peoples as a constituency with observer status under the Convention. Indigenous peoples’ organizations can thus apply for observer status, and those accepted can nominate participants to attend the sessions of the different climate change bodies. The International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change is a joint indigenous peoples’ caucus established in 2008 to coordinate indigenous peoples’ efforts and activities concerning Convention-related processes.6 18. International climate change law and policy revolve around the twin strategies of mitigation (the State obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (the State obligation to protect people against the effects of climate change by supporting their capacity to adapt to its effects). Under the Convention’s equity principle, developed States, as the principal producers of greenhouse gases historically and the most resource rich, shall carry a heavier burden in mitigation and adaptation strategies, including assistance to poorer countries and the development of technology. 19. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has raised the concern that the emphasis on monetary, knowledge and technology transfer from developed to developing countries tends not to recognize indigenous peoples’ own coping and adaptive strategies.7 20. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the international body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change. The Panel was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment 6 7 See /www.iipfcc.org/. International Union for Conservation of Nature, Indigenous and Traditional Peoples and Climate Change, Issues Paper (2008), p. 4. 5