Stewards of the Earth: Upholding Rights, Well-Being of Indigenous Peoples in Changing World
Introduction Indigenous peoples have long been recognized as custodians of biodiversity and cultural heritage, carrying knowledge systems that hold critical lessons for sustainable development. With an estimated 370 million indigenous people spread across more than 90 countries, they make up roughly 5% of the world’s population but protect over 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Their…