The Human Cost of Conservation
Geographically defined “protected areas,” managed by states or organizations, are one of the new global fronts against biodiversity loss and climate change. But many of those areas are already occupied by Indigenous peoples, whose rights are increasingly being violated in the name of conservation. This series explores how some conservation efforts are costing communities their homes — and in some cases their lives.
In This Series
-
![A woman with intricate tattoos and red face paint stares directly into the camera with protest signs behind her]()
![A woman with intricate tattoos and red face paint stares directly into the camera with protest signs behind her]()
The key to better climate outcomes? Respecting Indigenous land rights and autonomy.
A new conservation study carries important implications for global climate targets.
-
![Beautiful landscape of the amazon rainforest, Yasuni National Park, Ecuador.]()
![Beautiful landscape of the amazon rainforest, Yasuni National Park, Ecuador.]()
In the Ecuadorian Amazon, oil threatens decades of Indigenous-led conservation
Ecuador’s Socio Bosque project has been key to safeguarding the rainforest. Now, the country’s state-owned oil company is exploiting its many loopholes.
-
How efforts to protect an Indigenous oasis almost led to its demise
The National Park Service's vision of Quitobaquito Springs as a "wild" park was at odds with the Indigenous caretakers already living there.
-
![Biden, hug sunglasses]()
![Biden, hug sunglasses]()
Biden designates Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument
The move by the Biden administration protects nearly a million acres of Indigenous land from future uranium mining.
-
![Old mine]()
![Old mine]()
Tribes call on Haaland to push increased protections for the Grand Canyon
As a 20-year ban on mining in the Grand Canyon passes its midpoint, Indigenous nations look to continue protections indefinitely.
-
![Two people holding hands]()
![Two people holding hands]()
Brazil’s president returns 800 square miles of Indigenous Iand to its original caretakers
The move bars non-Indigenous from any economic activity in the area and prohibits mining and logging without permission.
-
![]()
![]()
Indigenous Maasai ask the United Nations to intervene on human rights abuses
Maasai leaders say they have few options as Tanzanian officials lock down protected areas.
-
![Imiría Lake in Peru]()
![Imiría Lake in Peru]()
Restricted Access
Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, the Shipibo people are battling conservation authorities to reclaim management of their land.
-
![an illustration of a woman and a group of animals and plants standing in front of a large black outline of an excavator]()
![an illustration of a woman and a group of animals and plants standing in front of a large black outline of an excavator]()
In Sweden, a proposed iron mine threatens a World Heritage Site — and the culture that made it
How some UNESCO World Heritage Sites can threaten Indigenous lives.
