ICARSIS - The Global Coalition
Strategic Framework
The International Coalition for Adaptive Research on the Science of Indigenous Sustainability (ICARSIS) establishes a robust governance framework to advance adaptive research, capacity building, innovation, and policy engagement.
Vision
The coalition envisages a globally connected research community where Indigenous knowledge systems and scientific inquiry jointly advance a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in the climate milieu.
Mission
To foster interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and Indigenous-led research that generates actionable knowledge for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and community well-being through equal and reciprocal partnerships.
Goal
To establish an international coalition that advances adaptive research, capacity building, innovation, and policy engagement on the science of Indigenous sustainability.
Strategic Objectives
Promote global collaboration for sustainable solutions, integrating evidence-based indigenous knowledge and advanced scientific methodologies.
Facilitate adaptive and participatory action-research addressing emerging sustainability challenges at community-ecosystem interface.
Strengthen indigenous leadership in research design, implementation, governance, and dissemination, in advancing indigenous capability.
Develop ethical standards and research protocols respecting Indigenous intellectual property rights and data sovereignty.
Build capacities of researchers, practitioners, women and youth, as well Indigenous communities, through demonstration, training and technology cooperation towards a knowledge economy.
Create global platforms for dialogue among Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, policymakers, civil society, and development partners.
Translate research findings into policy recommendations and frameworks for sustainable solutions towards inclusive growth and development.
Mobilise financial and technical resources for supporting and sustaining all initiatives through equal participation and reciprocal partnership.
Five Strategic Pillars
Adaptive Research
Collaborations for Indigenous Science
Knowledge Co-production
Equitable Access & Benefit Sharing
Capability Development
Enabling Science for Empowerment
Innovation
Amplifying Impacts
Policy Engagement
Equity & Reciprocity in Partnership
Governance Structure
Coalition's General Assembly
The highest decision-making body comprising all members of the coalition.
Governing Council
The ICARSIS Governing Council shall provide strategic direction, approve annual work plans, and oversee coalition performance.
Secretariat
Responsible for coordination, communications, fundraising, administration, and programme implementation.
Indigenous Advisory Council
Ensures Indigenous perspectives remain central to all coalition activities.
Global Advisory Council
Provides technical guidance on research quality, ethics, innovation, and emerging scientific priorities.
Thematic Working Groups (Proposed)
Focused on priority areas including:
Legal Status
Autonomous Entity
The coalition will act as an autonomous entity of 'South Asian Forum for Environment', a registered Trust u/s Indian Trust Act 1882. It will be directed by a Governing Council and the Secretariat of the coalition will be hosted by an intergovernmental organization or agency.