Respecting uncontacted peoples can protect biodiversity and our humanity (commentary)

Respecting uncontacted peoples can protect biodiversity and our humanity (commentary)

Deep within the remaining tropical forests of the world, the last uncontacted peoples live in near-total isolation. Their very presence carries unintended yet powerful implications for all of us. Studies show that Indigenous territories — especially those of uncontacted groups — are among the least disturbed ecosystems on Earth. Protecting regions inhabited by uncontacted Indigenous peoples is vital from both a human rights and environmental per…