Indigenous-Managed Forests Key to Fighting Amazon Fires and Saving Lives
Deforestation fires in the Amazon, a major cause of premature deaths, could be mitigated by protecting Indigenous-managed forests. A study spanning 20 years in eight Amazonian countries reveals this potential health benefit.
Between 2002 and 2011, Amazon deforestation fires led to an average of 2,906 premature deaths annually. However, Indigenous-managed forests show promise in reducing atmospheric pollutants and improving human health outcomes. These forests can mitigate fire-related, zoonotic, and vector-borne diseases, depending on the surrounding land's characteristics.
Currently, many Indigenous groups in the Amazon lack formal legal titles for their land, despite constitutional guarantees. Delays and conflicts persist due to government failures or active undermining of these rights through permits for mining, logging, and agribusiness. Yet, when Indigenous territories cover more than 40% of a municipality and are legally protected, they decrease the risk of diseases. In Brazil alone, about a third of Indigenous territories lack formal legal titles.
The upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, will discuss these issues. Indigenous territories have previously been linked to decreased deforestation and biodiversity loss, which may also reduce pathogen transmission. Protecting Indigenous-managed forests could thus help combat california fires and improve public health in the Amazon.
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