A/HRC/51/28 E. Africa 95. In Chad, pastoralist M’bororo women have demonstrated a sophisticated knowledge of hydrology, including the capacity of the land to capture rainwater, and of the importance of conservation of certain tree species in order to protect water sources. 87 96. In Kenya, indigenous women are leading reforestation and sustainable forestry initiatives and have been working to improve community resilience to climate change through rainwater harvesting practices. Maasai women took the lead in their pastoralist communities by distributing food during the COVID-19 outbreak.88 State support for indigenous women’s knowledge VIII. 97. Some national health-care systems have started to integrate indigenous-led medicine in “western” medical clinics, institutionalizing and acknowledging the value of indigenous women’s scientific knowledge. Integrating indigenous medical practices in State-run or State-funded clinics serves the dual purpose of making medical services more available to indigenous peoples and fostering the development, use, transmission and preservation of indigenous scientific knowledge of healing practices. Cross-cultural women’s health initiatives are being implemented in parts of Australia, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.89 98. States have taken important steps to increase the political participation of indigenous women through the creation of policies and legislation. Positive change has been made in that regard through the implementation of quotas and constitutional reforms to encourage their involvement in government and political organizations. 99. In Guatemala, the Government has adopted a national policy on indigenous midwives and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur has called on the Government to guarantee the budget necessary for its full implementation, thereby honouring the work of those women. 90 Guatemala has supported indigenous women’s knowledge of forestry management by promoting the socialization of a forest calendar, compiling indigenous knowledge of conservation, and is working with indigenous peoples to provide this resource in their languages.91 100. Mexico has adopted a federal law through which the State recognizes and guarantees the protection, safeguarding and growth of the collective intellectual property rights of indigenous peoples to cultural heritage and cultural expressions and knowledge. 92 101. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation of Australia works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on several projects, including an initiative led by indigenous people to empower indigenous rangers to use data and artificial intelligence in land management by enabling them to drive and develop artificial intelligence and digital tools themselves. The aim of the project is to survey species and habitats of cultural and ecological significance by mixing ethical artificial intelligence with indigenous knowledge and deliver practical solutions for conserving precious ecosystems on indigenous lands.93 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee, “An introduction to integrating African indigenous & traditional knowledge in national adaptation plans, programmes of action, platforms and policies” (2016), p. 21, available from https://ipacc.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/2020/02/LimaReportFinal.pdf. See Climate Investment Funds, Empowering Indigenous Women to Integrate Traditional Knowledge and Practices in Climate Action. See, for example, United Nations Population Fund, “Promoting equality, recognizing diversity. Case stories in intercultural sexual and reproductive health among indigenous peoples” (2010). A/HRC/39/17/Add.3, para. 90. Submission by the Government of Guatemala. Submission by the Government of Mexico. Submission by the Government of Australia. 19