Indigenous peoples around the world have been facing many challenges for centuries. They are often marginalized, displaced, and their rights are not respected. The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) has published an infographic that highlights some of the key facts about the state of Indigenous peoples today.
Here are 10 of the most striking facts from the infographic:
1. Indigenous peoples number about 370 million worldwide.
They make up less than 6 percent of the world’s population but account for 15 percent of the poorest people, according to the U.N.
2. Indigenous peoples are estimated to own and/or occupy approximately one-quarter of the Earth’s terrestrial surface.
This land area holds about 80 percent of the Earth’s remaining biodiversity.
3. They live across some 90 countries, represent 5,000 different cultures and speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s 6,700 languages.
But some 2,680 Indigenous languages worldwide are in danger of extinction, according to the U.N., which has designated 2019 as the Year of Indigenous Languages.
4. At least 207 environmental activists – almost half of them Indigenous – were targeted and murdered for defending their lands against destructive industries in 2017.
2017 has been the worst year on record, according to human-rights watchdog Global Witness.
5. Some estimates suggest that 50 percent of protected areas worldwide have been established on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples.
In Central America, over 90 percent of conservation areas are on Indigenous territories.
6. Indigenous peoples and local communities manage 300,000 million metric tons of carbon in their trees and soil.
This equals 33 times global energy emissions in 2017, according to an analysis by Rights and Resources (RRI).
7. The rate of tree cover loss is less than half in community and Indigenous lands compared to elsewhere, according to the Global Forest Watch.
Where rights are recognized, the difference is even greater.
8. Land tenure is, however, on the upswing.
Forest area owned by Indigenous peoples and local communities increased from 18.3 percent in 2002 to 24.1 percent in 2017.
9. Appreciation of the value of traditional knowledge is growing due to its applications to industry, agriculture, species and land conservation, and sustainable development.
The U.N. Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) emphasizes the protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights to their traditional knowledge (Article 31).
10. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) also recognises the close ties of Indigenous peoples and local communities to biological resources.
These facts show that Indigenous peoples face significant challenges today, but they also highlight the crucial role they play in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. It is important that we recognize and respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and include them in decision-making processes that affect their lives and lands.
One of the major challenges is the loss of their traditional languages and knowledge systems. Many Indigenous languages are primarily oral and not written, making them particularly vulnerable as older generations pass away. Digital projects like Audiopedia play an essential role in preserving and sharing Indigenous languages and knowledge.
Digital Solutions for Indigenous Peoples: How Audiopedia is Preserving Languages and Sharing Knowledge
Audiopedia is a digital platform that enables Indigenous communities to record and share their traditional knowledge, stories, and languages in audio format. This authentic approach ensures that Indigenous peoples can pass on their culture to future generations in a manner true to their heritage. It also allows people outside these communities to access and learn Indigenous languages.
In addition to preserving languages and knowledge, digital projects like Audiopedia provide Indigenous populations with audio content in their mother tongue. This content includes information on their rights and legal protections, health and wellness, and other vital topics—ensuring that essential information reaches those in remote or isolated communities.
In summary, digital projects such as Audiopedia are innovative tools that not only preserve Indigenous languages and knowledge but also empower Indigenous populations by providing accessible, culturally relevant information. These efforts are critical for promoting women’s empowerment and safeguarding Indigenous heritage.
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