By: Naman Jain, Education Policy and Progressive Pedagogy Expert, Vice Chairman, Silver Line Prestige School, Ghaziabad
The world is grappling with rising global temperatures, which are no longer a distant warning but a clear and present reality. According to the estimates, since the 1800s, Earth’s surface temperature has increased by an average of 1ºC, with several recent years, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023, nudging past the 1.5ºC threshold. Various studies indicate that surface temperatures will exceed 2ºC by 2050 in many parts of the world, including India. These alarming trends demand urgent and strict responses from all sectors of society. In response to this, India has launched a series of ambitious initiatives, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Panchamrit goals targeting net-zero emissions by 2070, and programs like the International Solar Alliance and UJALA to promote renewables, etc. Despite these significant efforts, India has slipped 13 spots in the latest global climate change performance index, now ranking 23rd worldwide. This notable decline underscores increasing concerns about the country
We need a collective effort from the diverse sectors to tackle climate change issues in India, and education emerges as one of the most powerful tools when it comes to tackling a crisis. In my opinion, educational institutions can contribute immensely by creating awareness and educating the younger demographic. One of the most profound ways to do so is by integrating Indigenous land-based learning at school. This transformative approach not only teaches the students about climate change but also nurtures a deeper, more meaningful connection to the environment.
A Holistic Approach: Learning with the Land
Indigenous land-based learning is grounded in the deep connection that Indigenous peoples maintain with their territories, a relationship that is at once physical, mental, and spiritual. This educational philosophy goes beyond the classroom, inviting students outdoors to learn directly from the land. Activities such as gardening, foraging, stewardship projects, and storytelling become the conduits for understanding the interconnectedness of humans and ecosystems. Unlike conventional curricula, which often prioritize abstract concepts and facts, land-based learning teaches through experience and relationship. Students develop an ecological identity, a personal sense of belonging and responsibility within nature. They learn not only the science of climate change, but also the values of reciprocity, respect, and sustainability that underpin Indigenous environmental stewardship.
Why Schools Need Indigenous Land-Based Learning
Holistic Environmental Literacy: By immersing students in the living world, land-based learning fosters a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems and human impacts. This approach nurtures observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving in real-world contexts.
Cultural Relevance: Activities rooted in Indigenous traditions, such as storytelling and ceremonies, make environmental education memorable and meaningful. These methods cultivate resilience, adaptability, and creative thinking, which are the essential skills for navigating a changing climate.
Decolonizing Science Education: Land-based learning challenges Eurocentric approaches by centering Indigenous knowledge systems. By doing so, schools promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourage students to appreciate multiple ways of knowing.
Hands-on Action: Through direct engagement in conservation, restoration, and stewardship projects, students practice climate action and learn to care for their communities and the planet.
International Endorsement and Policy Implications
The importance of Indigenous-led education is recognized globally. UNESCO’s Policy on Engaging with Indigenous Peoples (Section B19) urges education systems to include Indigenous knowledge, holistic worldviews, and cultural practices in policies and programs. This guidance emphasizes that learning must be meaningful, accessible, and appropriate for Indigenous students and, by extension, for all learners. For policymakers, integrating land-based learning in schools is both a moral obligation and an evidence-based strategy. It aligns with international best practices and offers a way to prepare students for the environmental challenges of the future.
Turning Principles into Practice: What Schools Can Do
To effectively embed Indigenous land-based learning in school environments, several steps are essential:
● Collaborate with Indigenous Communities: Schools should work in partnership with local Indigenous leaders, Elders, and educators to co-create authentic and respectful programs.
● Create Outdoor Learning Environments: Gardens, naturalized play spaces, and outdoor classrooms provide practical venues for experiential learning.
● Integrate Indigenous Storytelling and Language: Bringing Indigenous narratives and languages into lessons deepens students’ environmental understanding and cultural respect.
● Support Stewardship Initiatives: Engage students in hands-on projects like habitat restoration, water monitoring, or community gardening to foster real-world skills and responsibility.
● Invest in Professional Development: Teachers need training and resources to facilitate land-based learning and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
Navigating Challenges: Education as Climate Action
Implementing land-based learning is not something that comes without obstacles. Yes, urban schools may face limited access to natural spaces, and educators may require new knowledge and cultural competencies in the beginning. However, through continuous dialogue with Indigenous communities, flexible adaptation, and a commitment to anti-tokenism, the challenges can be easily navigated. All we need to understand is that the path is clear: support the integration of Indigenous land-based learning at all levels of schooling. In doing so, we not only honor Indigenous wisdom but also empower the next generation to confront climate change with insight and integrity. Through these efforts, schools can become catalysts for a more just, sustainable, and hopeful future.
