Meet the guardians of Earth’s last untouched lands

Originally published in Freethink

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The daily lives of indigenous peoples are being criminalized, but they’re fighting back. Indigenous communities like the Maasai in Tanzania are being displaced as governments and corporations exploit their valuable resources. They are being relocated in the name of conservation, while their land is being used for profit.

Despite facing eviction and rights violations, these communities continue to protect their natural homelands. Indigenous people make up 6% of the global population but protect 60-80% of remaining biodiversity. Now, thanks to organizations like Indigenous Peoples’ Rights International (IPRI), they are able to amplify their voices and fight for their rights on a global scale.

With IPRI and others’ help, the Maasai took their case to the UN, resulting in international pressure on Tanzania. The European Union even pulled its conservation funding in response.

As climate change threatens our planet, supporting indigenous land rights is crucial. These communities are not just fighting for their homes, but for the protection of vital ecosystems that benefit us all. Their story reminds us that respecting human rights and protecting the environment must go hand in hand.