Constituting only 6 percent of the world population, Indigenous Peoples are nevertheless vital stewards of the environment. 28 percent of the world’s land surface, including some of the most ecologically intact and biodiverse forest areas, are primarily managed by Indigenous Peoples, families, smallholders and local communities. These forests are crucial for curbing gas emissions and maintaining biodiversity. Indigenous foods are also particularly nutritious, and their associated food systems are remarkably climate-resilient and well-adapted to the environment. 

Indigenous Peoples’ ways of life and their livelihoods can teach us a lot about preserving natural resources, sourcing and growing food in sustainable ways and living in harmony with nature. Mobilizing the expertise that originates from this heritage and these historical legacies is important for addressing the challenges facing food and agriculture today and in the future.