Natural environments provide unexpected benefits

Indigenous knowledge is often dismissed as myth or seen as inaccurate by modern, western society. However, Melina Walling’s recent article, Well-preserved Amazon rainforest on Indigenous lands can protect people from diseases, study finds, highlights Indigenous perspectives and links the health of the Amazon rainforest to the health of humans, which have been validated by recent findings.  

The researchers from Communications Earth & Environment analyzed data on Indigenous land ownership, forest quality, and disease rates in populations that border or are located in the Amazon. This strategic approach enabled researchers to empirically link “the legal recognition of Indigenous lands” with measurable improvements in human health outcomes. The study found that disease incidence rates were lower in areas where the forest on Indigenous land was well-preserved and effectively managed.

References

Walling, M. (2025, September 11). Well-preserved Amazon rainforest on Indigenous lands can protect people from diseases, study finds. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/amazon-rainforest-indigenous-diseases-fires-health-united-nations-086e89ade5a1bcbd103a6c8ef35e06b0