Forests Thrive When Indigenous People Have Legal Stewardship of Their Land

Forests are crucial for life on Earth, acting as the planet’s “lungs” by producing oxygen and regulating carbon dioxide. For Indigenous and local communities, forests are not only homes but also sources of survival and cultural preservation. These communities have sustainably managed forests for generations. Despite evidence showing that recognizing Indigenous land rights can prevent deforestation, governments and corporations often ignore these rights.

Forests are natural carbon sinks, storing excess carbon in trees and soil, which helps reduce greenhouse gases. Globally, forests absorb about 7.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Deforestation, however, releases this stored carbon, contributing to climate change. Forests also protect ecosystems by preventing soil erosion, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity.

Indigenous peoples play a key role in forest conservation. Studies show that areas managed by Indigenous communities experience less deforestation and have greater biodiversity. However, these communities face threats from corporations seeking to exploit forest lands for logging and agriculture. Environmental defenders, including Indigenous leaders, often face violence when protecting their lands.

For example, the Dayak Bahau community in Indonesia fights to preserve their forests from industrial development. They use sustainable farming methods and spiritual practices to live in harmony with the land. Despite these efforts, their forests are threatened by logging and palm oil plantations. Indigenous land stewardship is vital for combating climate change, as healthy forests can reduce global emissions and protect biodiversity for future generations.

Read the full article “Forests Thrive When Indigenous People Have Legal Stewardship of Their Land” by Fitri Arianti

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.