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
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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."
-
![collage: silhouette of Tanzania with Maasai warrior and logo of the African Commission on Human Rights]()
![collage: silhouette of Tanzania with Maasai warrior and logo of the African Commission on Human Rights]()
After violent evictions, Indigenous Maasai call human rights investigation a sham
In Tanzania, thousands of Maasai are being removed from their homelands for tourism and conservation.
-
![Part of the trunk and roots of a destroyed large tree on the beach, with partly cloudy sky in the background]()
![Part of the trunk and roots of a destroyed large tree on the beach, with partly cloudy sky in the background]()
To protect marine areas, Canada must include First Nations
A new report says Indigenous management plays a key role in protecting Canada’s waters.
-
![Overhead shot of a narrow river winding through sprawling green forest]()
![Overhead shot of a narrow river winding through sprawling green forest]()
The best way to save forests? Legally recognize Indigenous lands.
A new report says the key to saving Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is recognizing Indigenous territory.
-
![Woodland path with tree trunk in the foreground and beech trees with bright green leaves forming a canopy]()
![Woodland path with tree trunk in the foreground and beech trees with bright green leaves forming a canopy]()
Britain’s protected natural areas are failing to stop biodiversity loss
A new study offers insight into how to better protect biodiversity.
-
![a person rides a horse against the backdrop of hills covered in wildflowers with cattle in the background]()
![a person rides a horse against the backdrop of hills covered in wildflowers with cattle in the background]()
30×30 is conservation’s flashy new goal. Now countries need to figure out what it actually means.
The new global target aims to protect 30 percent of land and waters. But is it a powerful goal or an empty slogan?
