Call for conservation to respect tribal peoples’ rights 22 May 2015
An open letter signed by indigenous organizations, environmentalists and other prominent people such as U.S. academic Noam Chomsky calls for a new approach to conservation. The letter, published by The Guardian, reads:
We, the undersigned, are calling for a new approach to conservation, one that respects tribal peoples’ rights, for all of humanity.
Tribal peoples are generally the best conservationists; they have managed their lands sustainably for many generations. Forcibly removing tribal peoples from their land usually results in environmental damage. Such removals are a violation of human rights and should be opposed by conservationists.
Tribal peoples like the Soliga are generally the best conservationists and guardians of the natural world.
© Shrenik Sadalgi/Survival
