Redefining protected areas: Addressing human rights violations against Indigenous Peoples and recognizing Indigenous-led governance in conservation

Indigenous Peoples have occupied, owned or used these lands since time immemorial. The customary use of their lands, territories and resources have resulted in the richness of biodiversity and landscapes that lead to the establishment of protected areas. Oftentimes, these areas are protected to promote tourism and even safari hunting. Thus, states may also equip these areas with park rangers, who are usually armed. In the process, they blame Indigenous Peoples for biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Studies have shown that indigenous management is as effective, if not better, than these state-led protected areas. Thus, a human rights-based approach that recognizes the roles and contributions of Indigenous Peoples would also fulfill the public interest of nature conservation. In addition, Indigenous Peoples are being recognized in conservation policies at the global level. But these policies rarely transform ground realities.