“Denying a people their biocultural rights is denying their very existence.”
Indigenous tribes from the Amazon rainforest call on COP15 leaders to preserve biodiversity and protect Indigenous intellectual property rights. | Image: Flickr/Avaaz
By Anastasia Moloney
BOGOTA, Oct 11 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest have a clear message for decision-makers ahead of two global environment conferences: Respect our land and human rights to slow climate change and protect biodiversity.
“People who exploit and take out resources don’t live [in the Amazon] — but we do. The forest is our home,” said Nemonte Nenquimo, a Native leader of Ecuador’s Waorani people.
