Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Action

The Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Climate Action Research Fellowship track is a unique program designed for Master’s and PhD students from various disciplines, including law, psychology, business administration (MBA), public administration (MPA), computer science, data science, finance, engineering, architecture, indigenous studies, nursing, medicine, economics, forestry, and agriculture. This fellowship explores the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and climate action, providing students with an opportunity to integrate traditional knowledge with modern practices in tackling climate change.

Students in this fellowship will collaborate with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), barangay officials, and academic institutions to co-create climate solutions grounded in Indigenous knowledge. By utilizing Harvard's Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) methodology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Design Thinking, the fellowship emphasizes a co-creative process to address local climate challenges. Students will use Living Labs, specifically school campuses and barangays, as real-world testing environments for their solutions.

This track encourages ongoing research and innovation, allowing students to continue their projects across multiple semesters, from the initial exploration phase through to thesis, capstone, or startup projects in their senior years. Exceptional projects may also apply for the Jambatan Transnational Project Co-listing Program, which enables the co-listing of projects with cities and universities internationally.

What is a Living Lab?

A Living Lab is a collaborative, real-world testing ground where innovative solutions are co-created, tested, and refined in partnership with local communities. Through this fellowship, students will work in school campuses and barangays—areas rich in Indigenous cultural heritage and environmental knowledge—to implement climate solutions that respect and integrate traditional practices.

Program Methodologies

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)

IKS provides insights into sustainable practices developed over centuries by Indigenous communities. By weaving together these traditional practices with modern climate solutions, students will work towards holistic, culturally sensitive climate action.

Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)

PDIA encourages an adaptive approach to problem-solving, allowing students to break down complex climate issues, identify areas for intervention, and test solutions in real-time, learning and adapting as they go.

Design Thinking

Design Thinking emphasizes empathy, creativity, and practical prototyping. Students will engage with local communities, gather insights, and design solutions based on real-world needs and contexts, ensuring that their projects are both feasible and impactful.

Program Milestones

Weeks 1-3: Immersion and Research Phase

• Students will conduct field research in barangays, engaging with Indigenous communities, SK leaders, and barangay officials to understand local climate issues and Indigenous knowledge on sustainability.

• Workshops on IKS, PDIA, and Design Thinking will help frame the research problems and design actionable solutions.

Weeks 4-6: Solution Ideation and Co-Creation

• Students will work alongside community members and other stakeholders to co-create climate action solutions based on IKS and community priorities.

• Initial prototypes will be developed, integrating traditional knowledge with modern climate practices.

Weeks 7-9: Testing and Iteration

• Prototypes will be implemented in Living Labs (school campuses and barangays), where they will be tested, monitored, and refined based on feedback.

• Students will collect data to assess the effectiveness of their solutions and adapt them accordingly.

Weeks 10-12: Scaling and Sustainability Planning

• Students will explore opportunities to scale their solutions, ensuring they are sustainable and adaptable for broader use across other communities.

• They will also begin developing policy briefs or sustainability plans to guide local stakeholders in maintaining and expanding their projects.

Weeks 13-15: Final Presentation and Recognition

• Students will present their research findings, solutions, and recommendations during a public symposium.

• Exceptional projects will be recognized and selected for further development or funding, with students receiving certificates of completion.

Pathways to Continued Impact

Students who continue their projects beyond the fellowship may apply their findings to their thesis, capstone, or startup projects in subsequent semesters. They can also apply for the Jambatan Transnational Project Co-Listing Program, which offers a platform to expand their projects across cities or countries, creating opportunities for global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Why Join the Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Climate Action Research Fellowship Track?

• Culturally Grounded Innovation: Integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern climate science to create sustainable solutions.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside students from diverse fields and local community stakeholders.

• Real-World Impact: Contribute to community-driven climate action in Baguio City and beyond.

• Global Reach: Through the Jambatan Program, take your project to international platforms and expand its impact.

• Long-Term Engagement: Transition your project from research to implementation, thesis, or a startup initiative.