Ecosystem accounting through first nations' lenses: Integrating the SEEA-EA and Indigenous knowledge systems

Area of Science:

• Environmental-Economic Accounting
• Ecosystem Services Valuation
• Indigenous Knowledge Integration

Background:

• The UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) offers a framework for environmental and economic data integration.
• Existing SEEA-EA frameworks may not fully capture Indigenous perspectives on nature and cultural connections to land.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how the SEEA-EA can incorporate First Nations' conceptualizations of nature and cultural connections to traditional lands.
• To propose principles and steps for enhancing the SEEA-EA's relevance to First Nations.

Main Methods:

• Identifying entry points for Indigenous knowledge within the SEEA-EA framework.
• Proposing principles for stock and flow accounts that reflect First Nations' priorities and values.
• Suggesting the use of physical, subjective, and monetary metrics aligned with Indigenous perspectives.

Main Results:

• Multiple avenues exist for incorporating First Nations' conceptualizations into SEEA-EA.
• Key principles include reflecting Country aspects important to First Nations in stock accounts and significant services in flow accounts.
• Partnerships with First Nations are crucial for developing relevant and beneficial accounting practices.

Conclusions:

• The SEEA-EA can be adapted to better reflect First Nations' relationships with their Country.
• Respectful, collaborative approaches centered on First Nations' priorities are essential for enhancing the framework's applicability and benefits.
• Further development and testing with diverse First Nations groups are recommended.