Deforestation is often a recognizable issue when discussing climate change and the environment. However, despite their generational contributions to protecting these forests, many people overlook how deforestation connects to and threatens Indigenous communities. The concept of environmental justice suggests that Indigenous people should have the power to control their lands and protect their way of life.
Indigenous people have sustainably managed forests for generations. Their traditional ecological knowledge has preserved biodiversity and balanced the relationship between humanity and nature. "Indigenous communities, the stewards of diverse biodiversity and cultures, endure the brunt of rampant deforestation..." (Kanungo). These communities have the deepest ties to the land yet suffer the most from its destruction.
According to the Human Rights Research Center, "despite legal titles, governments often lease Indigenous lands... without prior, free, and informed consent" (Human Rights Research Center). Some nations constitutionally acknowledge Indigenous land rights, implementation... is often limited..." (Human Rights Research Center). This failure to enforce legal protections only further enables the continued exploitation and displacement of Indigenous communities.
Research says that "In Indian country a vision of environmental justice must also include the tribal right of self-government" (Tsosie). Sovereignty is central to justice. Without it, Indigenous groups cannot resist extractive forces or protect their land. The forests of the Indigenous and tribal peoples' territories store about 34,000 million metric tonnes of carbon. Additionally, "Tropical forests... store more than half of the world's terrestrial carbon" (Kanungo).
Forest loss also harms the health and nutrition of communities that rely on them for food and disease protection. They "serve as natural barriers that keep these communities free from disease... the destruction of forests further jeopardises their resilience..." (Kanungo). Without forests, communities lose access to medicinal plants and clean air, and this leaves them more vulnerable to health issues.