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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![Collage: Indigenous people protesting and holding a banner that reads]()
![Collage: Indigenous people protesting and holding a banner that reads]()
The world spends billions to ‘protect’ Indigenous land. Only 17% goes to Indigenous peoples.
To access that money, Indigenous communities are creating their own funding solutions.
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![CEO of African Wildlife Foundation, Kaddu Sebunya, speaks at a podium; a backdrop with Africa Protected Areas Congress's logo on it in the background]()
![CEO of African Wildlife Foundation, Kaddu Sebunya, speaks at a podium; a backdrop with Africa Protected Areas Congress's logo on it in the background]()
Indigenous leaders say Africa’s conservation plan puts lives at risk
'We cannot co-manage what is under the custody of people who have been destroying it.'
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![burning and smoky ground next to dirt road and dead trees]()
![burning and smoky ground next to dirt road and dead trees]()
Australian environmental report finally recognizes Indigenous knowledge
The bleak, national assessment of the environment recommends an Indigenous rights-based approach.
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![A group of Ogiek people, an indigenous tribe native to Tanzania and Southern Kenya, posing in front of a green sign for the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights]()
![A group of Ogiek people, an indigenous tribe native to Tanzania and Southern Kenya, posing in front of a green sign for the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights]()
Indigenous Ogiek win ‘landmark’ reparations ruling from African Court
The decision could set a precedent for other Indigenous peoples who have been violently removed from their lands.
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![Maasai person with spear and blanket standing in tall grass]()
![Maasai person with spear and blanket standing in tall grass]()
‘Fortress conservation’ violently displaces Indigenous people
In Tanzania, attacks on the Maasai are the latest in a global pattern of violence highlighted by a new report.
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![Maasai person stands on a grassy plain in front of a tall mountain]()
![Maasai person stands on a grassy plain in front of a tall mountain]()
Indigenous Maasai in Tanzania face resettlement sites with ‘critical flaws’
Up against eviction for ‘conservation,’ a new report alleges Tanzania is breaking its promises to the Maasai.
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![Four elders of the Endorois tribe, indigenous to Kenya, performing a ritual. Mist, mountains, and a blue sky with clouds are in the background]()
![Four elders of the Endorois tribe, indigenous to Kenya, performing a ritual. Mist, mountains, and a blue sky with clouds are in the background]()
Indigenous Endorois fight for their land and rights at UN
Conservation efforts in Kenya displaced hundreds of Indigenous people. Can there be justice for stolen lands and culture?
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![R. Mukaro Borrero speaks at a podium with a drum at a BLM protest]()
![R. Mukaro Borrero speaks at a podium with a drum at a BLM protest]()
Indigenous Taíno of Puerto Rico take their fight for visibility and rights to the UN
Without US representation, the Taíno advocate for environmental justice and cultural preservation internationally.
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![foreboding black and white photo of a tree covered mountain with more mountains fading into the distance]()
![foreboding black and white photo of a tree covered mountain with more mountains fading into the distance]()
Indigenous people are being killed to ‘protect’ a Congolese park
A new report reveals how U.S. agencies and conservation organizations have supported the violence.
