Indigenous lands protect 23% of the Brazilian Amazon, covering more than 100 million hectares, and area the size of Colombia. Maintaining the integrity of these lands is crucial to contain deforestation, maintain the stability of the regional climate, mitigate global climate change, and protect indigenous rights. Indigenous land rights in the Amazon, however, are at important risk. Around 60% of mining concessions in Brazil are in the Amazon region. Indigenous lands have frequently reported illegal mining.
Tropical Forests: Conserving Climate and Culture
Climate change is occurring now in many places in the tropics. Avoiding large future changes will require empowerment of indigenous peoples and traditional communities as land stewards. Further, scientists must work with stakeholders and policymakers to understand...