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
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![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.
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![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.
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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.
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![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.
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![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.
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![Collage featuring map of Africa, excerpt from]()
![Collage featuring map of Africa, excerpt from]()
How the world’s favorite conservation model was built on colonial violence
30x30 has been pitched as a key tool in the climate fight. Indigenous peoples say it threatens their lives.
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![A group of men in green military hats shoot guns at a village]()
![A group of men in green military hats shoot guns at a village]()
Fortress Conservation: A Legacy of Violence
From California to the Congo, policymakers have long sacrificed Indigenous peoples in the name of conservation.
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![Firefighters and volunteers combat a fire on the Amazonia rainforest in Apui, Brazil, on September 21, 2022.]()
![Firefighters and volunteers combat a fire on the Amazonia rainforest in Apui, Brazil, on September 21, 2022.]()
Want to protect your health? Start by protecting Indigenous land.
Protecting Indigenous lands in the Brazilian Amazon could prevent millions of respiratory diseases and billions in healthcare costs.
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![a herd of black cattle graze in a golden field with tall trees in the background]()
![a herd of black cattle graze in a golden field with tall trees in the background]()
Oscars goody bags contained ‘unseemly’ gift: certificates for Aboriginal land
Indigenous groups in Australia said they weren't consulted and called the conservation ploy a "money-making scheme."
