Afro-descendant peoples in Latin America have historically been guardians of nature, but their role could be more important than previously
Gonzalo Ortuño López--28 Nov 2025
New research documents the positive impacts that Afro-descendant populations have had on tropical ecosystems in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname.
The study found that deforestation rates are between 29% and 55% lower in Afro-descendant lands than in protected areas.
This is the first scientific study to employ statistical, geographical and historical data to assess the contribution of Afro-descendant communities in conservation.
According to the researchers, Afro-descendant populations and their good practices are at risk due to a lack of legal recognition, invisibility of their contributions, and extractive activities in their territories.
