Indigenous communities: Custodians of biodiversity

Did you know that Indigenous Peoples worldwide are responsible for protecting nearly 80% of the Earth's remaining biodiversity? According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES, 2019), Indigenous communities live on and manage approximately 38 million square kilometers of land—areas where nature is often better protected than in official nature reserves. What makes this protection so special is that it stems from a deep spiritual and cultural connection to nature, not from the need for recognition, economic profit, or prestige.

Indigenous peoples don't see themselves as separate entities from their natural environment, but as an integral part of it. Forests, rivers, animals, and plants are not just resources, but relatives—something to be cared for rather than exploited. This worldview has led Indigenous communities, often without the help of governments or large conservation organizations, to maintain entire ecosystems. For example, studies show that biodiversity loss is lower in areas managed by Indigenous peoples than in state-protected areas (Fa et al., 2020).

Yet, these communities are under pressure worldwide. Land grabbing, deforestation, mining, and large-scale agriculture threaten not only their way of life but also the ecosystems they have protected for generations. Ironically, they are often excluded from decision-making about their own lands, even though their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices are crucial in the fight against climate change and ecological degradation.

What can we do?

1. Respect and legally protect their rights. This includes recognizing land rights so that indigenous communities retain control over their land.

2. Learning from their ecological knowledge. Traditional ecological knowledge, often passed down through oral tradition, contains valuable insights into ecosystems, seasonal cycles, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

3. Actively amplify their voices. Instead of treating Indigenous peoples as "needy," we can recognize them as experts and leaders in conservation.

4. Supporting initiatives led by indigenous communities. This can range from supporting legal funds to purchasing products produced under fair, self-determined conditions.

True sustainability isn't just about technological innovation, but also about restoring the relationship between humans and nature. Indigenous peoples have been living this relationship for centuries. It's up to the rest of the world to listen, support, and protect what they sustain—out of pure love and responsibility for life itself.

Sources

- IPBES (2019). Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

- Fa, J.E., Watson, J.E.M., Leiper, I. et al. (2020). Importance of Indigenous Peoples' lands for the conservation of Intact Forest Landscapes. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment , 18(3), 135-140.

- Garnett, ST, Burgess, ND, Fa, JE, et al. (2018). A spatial overview of the global importance of Indigenous lands for conservation. Nature Sustainability , 1(7), 369–374.