Indigenous Peoples have been recognised as Guardians of the Earth
Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in protecting life on Earth and caring for creation. The world has now acknowledged this truth.
Indigenous peoples were formally recognised as leaders in the planet’s protection and stewardship at the UN COP16 biodiversity summit last year.
They were given an official voice in global decision-making on conservation and a formal, ongoing role in shaping global biodiversity decisions affecting their lands and knowledge.
Although Indigenous territories cover only about 22% of the planet’s land, they are home to 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity. Unlike Western cultures that treat nature as something to be exploited, Indigenous cultures emphasize responsibility, balance, and living in harmony with the natural world. They manage their lands through sustainable farming, careful water use, traditional medicine, and a deep spiritual respect for the Earth.
Their ecological wisdom has been shaped over countless generations through close relationships with the land, water, plants, and the animals that sustain them. Their knowledge is increasingly recognised as essential for restoring damaged ecosystems and protecting endangered species. It offers resilient and sustainable alternatives to technological solutions, which often overlook or misunderstand local environments and cultures, with harmful consequences.
The Value of Indigenous Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
Indigenous knowledge is increasingly being combined with modern science and technology to develop a sustainable future for us all.
For example – In Australia, Indigenous Rangers use traditional fire practices to reduce the risk of destructive wildfires while encouraging native plant growth.
In the Andes where water is scarce, ancient farming techniques like terracing and crop rotation, are combined with drip irrigation technology that conserves water leading to increased crop yields and improved water efficiency.
Indigenous knowledge was used for the development of many drugs including aspirin, malaria and heart treatments. Traditional medicine is now being heavily researched for chronic and hard-to-treat conditions, including cancer, diabetes, arthritis and infections.
These partnerships show what is possible when ancient wisdom and modern innovation work together.
The Importance of Land Rights for Indigenous People
Secure land rights allow Indigenous communities to continue to care for their territories and protect biodiversity. Supporting Indigenous land rights is not only a matter of justice, it is essential in the global response to climate change and environmental protection.
Challenges and Ongoing Risks
Despite their vital role, many Indigenous communities face serious threats. Logging, mining, industrial farming, and pollution often encroach on their lands, often with the backing of governments or corporations. Those who defend their territories and rights are frequently exposed to intimidation, violence, and discrimination and even death. 2,253 defenders were murdered from 2012 to 2024. Protecting Indigenous land and cultural rights is crucial—not only for their survival, but for the wellbeing of the entire planet.
Recognition of the Role of Indigenous People is growing
New commitments were made at the COP16 Biodiversity and COP30 Climate Summits last year to support indigenous land rights, including the creation of 10 new protected territories in Brazil. Global pledges were made to recognise Indigenous land rights across millions of hectares of tropical forest. $1.8 billion was pledged to support Indigenous communities to secure land rights. $6.6 billion was raised to protect forests, with at least 20 % earmarked for Indigenous and local community initiatives.
As people of faith, we are reminded that caring for the Earth is a shared responsibility. Honouring and supporting Indigenous stewardship is an important part of that calling—and a hopeful path toward a healthier, more just world. Christine Parrott
