Conservation practices in the Global South undermine rights: researchers, PgII

Key Highlights:

• A recent Nature article highlights the ongoing marginalization of indigenous people in conservation projects in the Global South.
• The article suggests that a colonial legacy persists in conservation, prioritizing wildlife over human well-being, particularly affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
• The paper proposes a framework for more inclusive conservation that supports the human rights of BIPOC communities and nature by countering exclusion.
• The scientists elaborate that the modern conservation movement began during the European colonial era in the 1800s, when indigenous people were portrayed as “uncivilised” and racially inferior.
• The killing of tigress Avni in 2018 is used as an example to illustrate urban-rural divisions in conservation in India.

Detailed Insights:

• The history of conservation is rooted in marginalization and racism, particularly in the Global South, where governance systems and protection of rights are weaker.
• Colonial rulers displaced indigenous communities from protected areas, and this legacy continues to influence modern conservation practices.
• Conservation initiatives often prioritize wild animals over BIPOC people, especially in campaigns aimed at the Western public.
• In India, historical mechanisms displaced local communities for forestry, plantations, and conservation, creating game reserves for elite hunting.
• Wildlife conservation in India is dominated by the urban elite, with Western views that can clash with traditional practices benefiting local communities.
• There is a growing recognition that the old fortress conservation model is no longer viable, with increasing emphasis on coexistence.
• Indigenous peoples and local communities can be effective stewards of nature, but are often cast as enemies due to the notion of pristine wilderness.
• The proposed framework to address disparity includes supporting human rights, advocating for the agency of IPLCs, challenging norms, and seeking new educational opportunities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color): A term used to refer to communities marginalized and discriminated against due to their race or ethnicity.
• IPLCs (Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities): Distinct social and cultural groups with unique rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory.
• Fortress Conservation: A conservation model that excludes local communities from protected areas, often leading to displacement and conflict.