Faith, reciprocity, and balance: Inner Mongolian Ovoo offering ritual and its contribution to climate change adaptation

Although the vital role of Indigenous and local knowledge in climate change adaptation is growingly acknowledged, the spiritual aspects of these knowledge systems have yet to receive adequate attention. To fill this gap, this chapter explored Inner Mongolian Ovoo offering ritual. Inner Mongolian herders believe that creating a positive relationship with nature through practicing the Ovoo offering ritual is one way to protect their communities from misfortunes and environmental hazards. Using data from published literature and semi-structured interviews, this chapter elaborates on three potential contributions of the Ovoo offering ritual to climate change adaptation. First, the Ovoo offering ritual is an embodiment of Mongolian ideas and values and can serve as a means of transmitting traditional worldviews that promote adaptation strategies that value local knowledge and maintain Mongolian culture. Second, the Ovoo offering ritual provides a platform for herders to bridge social networks, which can help them adapt to future climate change variability. Finally, the Ovoo offering ritual promotes sustainable living through its mythology, customary norms, and the fundamental ideas behind it. To bring about sustainable and long-lasting solutions for local communities, it is critical that researchers and decision-makers understand and recognize the potential of local and Indigenous spiritual beliefs for climate change adaptation.