Indigenous peoples – keepers of some of our planet’s most important knowledge

They are keepers of some of our planet’s most important knowledge. With a deep connection to nature and reliance on natural resources, they are critical partners in stewarding our world’s lands and waters. Yet the voices of indigenous peoples are often excluded when planning conservation, environmentalism and sustainability. When indigenous people and local communities lead in conservation, the outcomes are lasting. Communities, cultures, traditions and livelihoods are preserved at the same time plants, animals and natural systems flourish.