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It is a well known fact that deforestation is relatively less important in indigenous territories with respect to the rest of the landscape. And this is so because indigenous peoples do conserve nature in a spiritual and cultural sense, but also because they know, they value and they protect forests, water sources and biodiversity. The Sacred Natural Sites often found at the heart of indigenous territories infuse them with a sense of reverence and gratitude. But the governments of the region are hardly impressed. In some places they impose “protected areas” but in most others they sell concessions for the exploitation of natural resources. Rarely the Free, Prior and Informed consent of the customary rights holders is respected or their conservation capacities and efforts are recognised. This attitude matches very well the model of extractive industries and mega-projects. The indigenous peoples are left to live in disadvantaged situations, suffering from discrimination, racism, violations of their collective rights and repression of all forms of dissent.
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