Guardians of Nature: Indigenous Women and Biodiversity

From the Andean mountains to the depths of the Amazon, indigenous women weave a web of life that preserves both biodiversity and ancestral traditions. Yet, their invaluable contributions often remain unheard.

Globally, nearly 476 million people identify as indigenous, representing 6.2% of the world's population. Half of this number—over 240 million—are women. If indigenous peoples were a single nation, they would form the world's third most populous country. The population of indigenous women alone exceeds that of entire countries like Nigeria, Pakistan, and Brazil, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

But indigenous women are not just inhabitants of their territories; they are guardians of life. They cultivate native seeds, grow food, care for medicinal plants, and pass down their knowledge through generations. Through their hands, this deep connection to the land fosters biodiversity conservation while sustaining their communities. Despite its importance, their critical role often remains in the shadows.

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Indigenous women leading the conservation of biodiversity

Various studies underscore the crucial role indigenous women play in preserving biodiversity. Research by WWF, CARE, and the EnGen Collaborative confirms that “women’s participation and leadership in managing natural resources lead to better governance and environmental outcomes.”

From the Andes to the Amazon, indigenous women’s resilience and resistance have created a lasting legacy. In Colombia’s Amazon region, the women of the Mirití-Paraná reserve have become protectors of stingless bees, reviving their cultural significance through the stories passed down by their ancestors. This resurgence not only strengthens their cultural identity but also promotes sustainability within their lands.

In Peru, the Awajún, also known as Nuwas, safeguard the medicinal plants native to their region. Amid the deforestation of Alto Mayo, they have managed to reclaim over 100 species, such as Amazonian ginger, achiote, toé, and pijipiji. They have even introduced their own line of infusions, promoting both health and ancestral knowledge.

Further south in Chile, Zunilda Lepín, a Mapuche woman, has become the keeper of a treasure trove of ancestral seeds, including loquat, olive, cherry, and cinnamon. She has emerged as the face of the revival of trafkintu, a traditional seed exchange practice, through the Wallmapu Free Seed Network. This initiative not only empowers her community but also bolsters food security.

The challenges of preserving nature

Despite these inspiring examples, indigenous women are often left out of biodiversity conservation initiatives. Research from WWF, CARE, and the EnGen Collaborative reveals that they have long faced significant barriers to participating in, influencing, and benefiting from conservation efforts.

One of the greatest hurdles is land ownership. Although indigenous lands are typically managed communally, only 3% of legal frameworks in 30 countries ensure the participation of indigenous and rural women in communal land decisions, according to the Rights and Resources Initiative. This exclusion limits their access to land and hampers their ability to manage natural resources effectively.

Another challenge is the lack of visibility and representation in decision-making spaces. According to the FAO, less than 10% of indigenous women are involved in managing biodiversity within their own communities. This underrepresentation diminishes their influence over policies that directly affect their lives.

Additionally, climate change poses its own set of challenges. Various reports indicate that indigenous women are disproportionately affected due to their reliance on natural resources for their livelihoods. Climate impacts, such as crop failures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events, threaten their territories and way of life.

In a world grappling with escalating environmental challenges, the role of indigenous women as biodiversity stewards has never been more critical. Their ancestral wisdom and deep connection to the land are vital to the planet's care. Empowering and recognizing their positive impact in the fight against climate change is essential to creating a more just and sustainable future.

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