Protecting the Invisible Guardians of Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Most Indigenous Peoples, including those in voluntary isolation and initial contact, have inhabited their territories for centuries. Their livelihoods and cultures are deeply intertwined with nature, as nature serves as their home and source of food and medicine, as well as spiritual nourishment and cultural identity and preservation.

For example, Indigenous Peoples in isolation are a vital part of the biocultural diversity of the Amazon region, with its vast and intricate rainforest ecosystem. Indeed, the area is home to numerous Indigenous groups who have lived in relative isolation for centuries, as the Amazon’s dense and remote environments have historically acted as a natural barrier, helping to protect these communities from external contact. Due to their close relationship with biodiversity, these peoples possess deep knowledge about the ecological processes of the Amazon rainforest, which guide the sustainable use of natural resources as revealed by Chapter 4 of the Rapid Assessment of Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Services of the Amazon Basin/Region published in 2021. This biocultural diversity is crucial not only for the preservation of their own cultures but also for the health of the Amazon’s ecosystems, as these communities play a key role in managing and protecting the region’s natural resources.

Although there is no universally accepted definition of this status, a widely acknowledged definition of Indigenous Peoples in isolation generally refers to those who do not maintain – or have never had – regular contact with populations outside their own group and tend to refuse such contact (Ortiz-Prado et al., 2021). The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines them as “native Indigenous populations who have voluntarily opted for a way of life separate from civilizing contacts and modern society”.

It is difficult to know with certainty how many people live in isolation and where they live, especially because they are social units in globally important ecosystems who inhabit and move around highly inaccessible areas. It is estimated that about 10,000 people – or around 200 groups ­– are living in voluntary isolation around the world. They largely reside in the Amazon basin and forests within Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela, as well as in tropical forests in India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, as elaborated by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). These ecosystems are known to be rich in natural resources, containing vital ecosystems, water sources and flora and fauna, crucial for the survival of the Indigenous Peoples inhabiting them.

However, these communities face increasing threats from external pressures that jeopardize their ways of life and the conservation of their environments. To better understand these threats, take a look at the next part of the infographic, which highlights the critical challenges they face.

The international community acknowledges that special measures are required to protect the rights of Isolated Indigenous Peoples (IIPs) and preserve their unique cultures and ways of life based on their self-determination. The next section of infographic highlights some of the international legal frameworks that could further strengthen their protection and cultural preservation if fully implemented at global and national levels.