International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous peoples, today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world, yet they are the best custodians of nature. More than a quarter of the global land area is traditionally owned, managed, used or occupied by indigenous peoples, and some of the world’s most biodiverse areas are found within their lands. Therefore, their traditional knowledge is key to understanding nature. To recognize that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and ways of life the international community commemorates 9 August as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.