How will the assessment consider cultural diversity as part of a global strategy for transformation?

How might indigenous cosmologies be applied as a source of knowledge that enable industrial societies to redefine their relationship with and nature? Recovery from the loss of land, livelihood and identity by indigenous peoples has presented them with a challenge with which they struggle on a daily basis. They are survival experts. Recovery of the planet from the unintended negative consequences of 400 years of colonisation and industrialisation by the west will be a major and possibly bigger challenge for all.

For industrial societies, stepping down from energy and technology dependent lifestyles that treat nature as economic externalities may be an even bigger challenge than that faced by indigenous people. Ecocide is valid concept, even if it is not recognised in international law and climate change will be the great leveller. The idea of living in harmony with nature has disappeared from much of western (and other industrial) society. My (limited reading) of the work of indigenous scholars tells me that they have much to offer and they are willing to offer it. How do design an assessment process that encourages people from western societies to open their minds to and learn from indigenous ways as part of transformation?  

IPBES seems to be a good forum for bringing indigenous (and local) people’s perspectives to bear on our common future. Creating culturally diverse groups to take part in different aspects of the assessment process might be useful. Producing evidence that governments can accept may be more challenging. Involving activists in the working groups of the assessment process may be a useful way of supporting civil society in the change as well as advising governments.