Part 6/10:
Although they comprise only about 6% of the global population, Indigenous peoples safeguard an astonishing 60-80% of the remaining biodiversity. Their traditional land management practices—viewing land as a communal resource—are key to protecting ecosystems and mitigating climate change. Conversely, states and corporations often seek to privatize these lands for profit, ignoring Indigenous land rights and their role as custodians of nature.
Many Indigenous communities lack awareness of their legal rights, making them vulnerable to displacement and exploitation. This is evident in Tanzania, where Maasai communities like those in Mfereji face ongoing threats of eviction amid government plans to convert their lands into hunting and tourist reserves.