On the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) warns that climate policies focused solely on reducing emissions are intensifying pressure on indigenous territories worldwide.
“Forests, rivers, and indigenous territories are increasingly viewed as sources of raw materials or CO₂ sinks. But if biodiversity and indigenous rights are subordinated to CO₂ targets, this exacerbates the ecological crisis rather than solving it,” explains Jan Königshausen, STP’s Advisor on Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous territories are among the best-protected ecosystems worldwide. The protection of Indigenous Peoples, who have preserved these areas for generations, is therefore closely linked to the protection of biodiversity. At a conference hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands on phasing out fossil fuels in April 2026, Indigenous delegates warned against an energy transition that perpetuates colonial patterns. They emphasized: Indigenous territories are not a raw material reservoir for the energy transition. They safeguard life, culture, and biodiversity.
According to Königshausen, Germany and the EU also bear responsibility in this regard. The German government relies too heavily on the promise of new technologies, CO₂ offsetting, and the development of new raw material supply chains when it comes to climate protection. This once again shifts the costs onto those who have contributed the least to the crisis. “Biodiversity is thus transformed from an object of protection into a bargaining chip,” said the Advisor on Indigenous Peoples.
“The transition away from fossil fuels must be shaped in collaboration with Indigenous representatives. The climate crisis is already hitting their territories particularly hard and endangering their ways of life. Now, infrastructure and energy projects pose an additional threat to their territories. These include the construction of wind farms and dams, lithium mining, and financial instruments such as the carbon market. A climate policy that destroys biodiversity and violates Indigenous rights cannot be sustainable,” emphasizes Königshausen.
The STP therefore calls for a change of course in climate and biodiversity policy that views Indigenous Peoples as partners and involves them constructively, rather than harming them.
This press release was translated from German to English using AI. If you come across errors or ambiguities, please contact us at 65]G378o6DD6CA.
Contact: Jan Königshausen, Advisor on Indigenous Peoples – 65]G378o?6DF29D8:?6@<];