Indigenous Peoples: Protectors of the Rainforest, Vital to Climate Change Solutions

Satellite images and other evidence show that of indigenous peoples are highly effective protectors of the planet's rainforests, the great reservoirs of biodiversity and long-term carbon storage. Despite international treaties, the world's indigenous peoples and the forests in which they live are increasingly threatened by development. I am working with the Sarayaku Indigenous People of the Ecuadoran Amazon Rainforest and will use their example. The presentation will review the rainforest ecology in relationship to climate and climate change and put forth satellite imagery and other evidence on the efficacy of indigenous communities as protectors of the rainforest.  

The author will draw on his first hand experience with the Sarayaku Indigenous People of the Amazon Rainforest in southeastern Ecuador and discuss the socio-economic, cultural and spiritual aspects of Sarayaku life in relationship to their ecological habitat. 

Finally the presenation will discuss the threats that the Sarayaku and other indigenous peoples face from development including natural resource extraction, large-scale agriculture, ranching, etc.