Reversing Carbon Emissions MBIE research programme key researcher Aroha Campbell from Upflow Ltd attended the Geothermal Rising Conference (GRC) 2024 participating in the inaugural Indigenous Geothermal Symposium that preceded it.

Reversing Carbon Emissions MBIE research programme key researcher Aroha Campbell from Upflow Ltd attended the Geothermal Rising Conference (GRC) at Waikoloa, Hawai’i, 28th – 30th October 2024 participating in the inaugural Indigenous Geothermal Symposium that preceded it.

During GRC, a paper was presented on ‘Indigenous participation in geothermal projects: Learnings from Aotearoa New Zealand.’ The aim of the paper was to provide an actionable guide, referencing New Zealand examples, for indigenous groups on how to participate in geothermal projects as well as for developers to grow their knowledge and capacity to effectively and appropriately engage with indigenous groups.

The Indigenous Geothermal Symposium was the first ever global gathering of international indigenous geothermal representation to share and discuss experiences, learnings and issues regarding geothermal resource use and development occurring within their respective areas of ancestral lands. Drafted during the 2-day symposium, the Geothermal Indigenous People’s Declaration gives a voice and sends a message to the geothermal industry and broader energy sector. The Declaration identifies six priorities that underscore what indigenous geothermal people are concerned about, and sets out what they need to address these concerns. The priorities identified are: Indigenous peoples’ rights and sovereignty over their lands and natural resources, Communication & Engagement, Community Benefits, Cultural Knowledge, Law & Policy, and Values & Principles.

The Declaration has since been finalised a copy of which can be found here.