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Cornered by Protected Areas

Indigenous Peoples and local communities have been conserving their lands and forests for centuries. But the rise of “fortress conservation” is forcing them from their homes, hurting people and forests alike.
HERE'S WHY.
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A Letter from the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Tropical forest loss is at an all-time high, fomenting the global climate crisis. The result is rising seas, threats to global food security, and conflict across the globe. Along with this violence against the earth, there is growing violence against the people who defend it. Last year, Global Witness tallied 197 murders of land rights and environmental defenders. Year after year, around 40 percent of these deaths are Indigenous Peoples.

 

Even initiatives put in place to protect forests can end up hurting forest guardians. This new research finds that Indigenous Peoples face significant human rights abuses in the world’s protected areas, part of the disturbing uptick of criminalization and even extrajudicial killings that I have observed in my role as Special Rapporteur.


When bulldozers or park rangers force Indigenous Peoples from their homes, it is not only a human rights crisis—it is also a detriment to all humanity. Indigenous Peoples have long stewarded and protected the world’s forests, a crucial bulwark against climate change. 


The rate of tree cover loss is less than half in community and indigenous lands compared to elsewhere. Where community rights to own their lands are legally recognized, the difference is even greater. Worldwide, community lands hold at least a quarter of aboveground tropical forest carbon—equal to four times global greenhouse gas emissions for 2014—and likely much more. 

This research also shows that Indigenous Peoples and local communities are investing substantially in conserving their forests—up to $US1.71 billion in the developing world. They are achieving at least equal conservation results with a fraction of the budget of protected areas, making investment in Indigenous Peoples themselves the most efficient means of protecting forests. 


Yet while Indigenous Peoples and local communities customarily own more than 50 percent of the world’s land, they only have secure legal rights to 10 percent. 


World leaders have a powerful solution on the table to save forests and protect the planet: recognize and support the world’s Indigenous Peoples. We have stood as a proven solution to climate change for generations. Recognize our rights, and we can continue to do so for generations to come.
 

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
UN Special Rapporteur on the

Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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Key

Findings

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Commitments haven't added up to action.

Fortress conservation is spread globally...

... But it is a source of injustice for local communities and Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Peoples and local communities are effective biodiversity and conservation managers.

They are also substantial investors in conservation.

A new approach is needed for effective and equitable conservation.

Want to learn more?

Case Studies

The World At A Glance:

Violations of Indigenous Peoples' and Local Communities' Rights in 27 Countries

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World leaders have a powerful solution on the table to save forests and protect the planet: recognize and support the world’s Indigenous Peoples. We have stood as a proven solution to climate change for generations. Recognize our rights, and we can continue to do so for generations to come.

"

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz

UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Interested in learning more?

Explore the latest research on how Indigenous Peoples and local communities contribute to the global fight against climate change by sustainably managing and conserving the world's remaining natural resources.

Visit the press room to read our press release and contact us to set up interviews with subject matter experts.

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