Indigenous Territories Shield Communities from Disease, Landmark Study Finds

['John Ahni Schertow', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Where Img', 'Height Auto Max-Width', 'Vertical-Align Bottom .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Vertical-Align Middle .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar Is .Alignleft .Alignright'] Intercontinental Cry 2025-09-12 15:03:30

The study confirms that intact forests in Indigenous territories significantly reduce the spread of 27 diseases, including malaria, Chagas, and respiratory illnesses linked to wildfire smoke. Forest cover is critical: Health benefits diminish when forest cover drops below 45%, with deforestation and fragmentation sharply increasing disease risks. Health benefits diminish when forest cover drops below 45%, with deforestation and fragmentation sharply increasing disease risks. A landmark study has found that Indigenous-managed territories across the Amazon provide powerful public health benefits. The research also highlights the importance of legal recognition of Indigenous land rights.