The Impact of Deteriorating Indigenous Socio-Ecological Population on Water Resource and Supply

Researchers have long been looking for indigenous socio-ecological societies? cryptic ways of regulating their surrounding biodiversity, especially in terms of water. Therefore, roots must be traced to the source - to millennia enriched with culture and distinctive identity. However, such measures will be fruitless if action targeted towards government agencies and corporations regarding human rights are neglected. The severity of water shortages is as follows: approximately 700 million people today suffer from lack of water in 43 countries. That number is set to rise to 1.8 billion victims by 2025 (?Water Scarcity?). Thorough investigation of water managements systems led by indigenous peoples will lead to full scopes of the problem and when their active participation is acknowledged, only then can concrete accomplishments be made.

Since the start of history, indigenous people have lived close to bodies of water where they could gather fish and water as well as food on land. The abundance of resources gave them bounds of time to gather their necessities, leading to a congruous society. With the rest of their time, they developed societal values including language, customs, spirituality and law, all in relation to nature and its beauties (?A Brief Aboriginal History?). Having a role as the caretakers of nature, they constantly have revived innovations to protect both culture and their surroundings. 80% of what?s left of habitat and wildlife is preserved by them as well (?Indigenous Peoples Overview?). The people of Besao are looked upon by each other as the overseers of their environment. As a matter of fact, water is an issue relating to survival, and by using traditional methods tied with religion regarding the spirits of nature (nakinbaey), successful management and production of water has been done. Therefore, the methods of nakinbaey must be kept for years to come (Bang-Oa, 64).

Regions of the world where water is scarce include North Africa and the Middle East while places in Central Asia, Central Africa and Southern Africa have water scarcity vulnerability . In addition, a keen observation shows those areas lack population of indigenous peoples (?Global Water Scarcity Information for Young People?).

Increased recognition of who they are in the fight for conservation and development of their land, the development of policies and programs to educate the issue all these will impact not just the planet, but along with it, human and property rights, and worldwide sustainability (Mclaren, Ramer).

Image Credits: "Global Water Scarcity Information for Young People." Global Water Scarcity Information for Young People. ESchoolToday, 2010 Web. 19 Apr. 2016. <http://www.eschooltoday.com/global-water-scarcity/global-water-shortage-for-kids.html>.