This lecture will argue that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) play a critical role in the sustainable use and conservation of Amazonian biodiversity and ecosystems. Indigenous peoples and local communities are entitled to favorable living conditions, autonomy in decision-making regarding their lives, territories, and resources, including intellectual property derived from them, and access to justice ensuring the complete realization of their human rights. Acting as custodians of diverse worldviews, values, institutions, and governance systems, Indigenous peoples and local communities in the Amazon play a crucial role not only in biodiversity conservation but also in upholding democracy itself. This lecture will illustrate some of these worldviews, such as the Buen Vivir philosophy, animism, ne rope, etc., highlighting their significance in shaping biocultural landscapes across the Amazon. 

Lecture source language: Spanish

Available subtitles & translations: English and Portuguese