Indigenous lands hold the world’s healthiest forests

but only when their rights are protected
The world’s healthiest tropical forests are located in protected Indigenous areas (PIAs), according to a new study. However, research shows that forests with minimal human modification exist only on protected Indigenous lands. Indigenous lands that are unprotected lower forest integrity. Researchers believe the lower integrity of forests on Indigenous lands is due to mineral, oil, and gas deposits that are located on lands and communities that lack land tenure to prevent extractive projects. According to the researchers, strengthening Indigenous peoples’ land rights is critical to reaching global conservation and climate goals.
More… Dec 22, 2022